Image printing order receiving system and image printing order receiving method

ABSTRACT

In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order of a print output at every captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus; an image storing server stores the captured image data; and a first print out apparatus prints out an initial printed matter, and the first print out apparatus supplies the initial printed matter to a shipping terminal. An order receiving server receives a reorder of the printed matter from a user terminal; a charging and settlement server performs the charging and settlement of the printed matter; and the first print out apparatus prints the image data to generate later printed matter when a reorder is received, and the first print out apparatus supplies the later printed matter to the shipping terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. JP 2000-319774, the disclosure thereof being herein incorporatedherein by reference to the extent permitted by law.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a print order receiving systemand a method for receiving an order for image printing, both being forreceiving an order for the service of supplying the printed matter of animage obtained by imaging. In particular, the present invention relatesto a print order receiving system and a method for receiving an orderfor image printing, both performing the reception of an order through anetwork.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Recently, a system capable of supplying a service from theimaging of an object to the printing of a result of the imaging at thesame place, like, for example, a picture print supplying apparatusdisclosed in Japanese Publication for Registered Utility Model No.3014733 has become popular.

[0004] Moreover, in recent years, a system for imaging and printing notonly a static image but also a motion picture or a parallax image hasbeen developed. Thereby, printed matter in which a viewed image can bechanged in accordance with the changes of a viewing direction can beobtained.

[0005] As an example of the development of such business, business formaking a parallax image picture as printed matter by utilizing alenticular technique exists. For example, the following can be cited.

[0006] (1) “Torikkiri Konika 3D®” being a film with a three-eye typelens by Konica Corporation and the printing service thereof.

[0007] (2) “Kodak Snap Kids 3D®” being a film with a three-eye type lensby Eastman Kodak Company and the printing service thereof.

[0008] (3) “Motion Image Print (MIP) Card”, which was developed byMatsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and synthesizes 6 sheets ofimages, and a apparatus for making the card, “Ugoitaro®”.

[0009] (4) A service by Chikyuya Co., Ltd. that receives an order of acard to be made with the aforesaid “Ugoitaro®” through the so-calledInternet.

[0010] (5) A sale of an amusement apparatus for business use afterreceiving an order by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., which isa vending machine of a motion picture card supplying sequence picturesmade by imaging an object as a card in which the object can be viewed asif it moves according to angles of viewing.

[0011] Moreover, as a similar system, there is a technique for makingprinted matter by utilizing a holography technique. For example, thetechniques disclosed in the following documents can be cited as such atechnique.

[0012] (6) Akira Shirakura, Nobuhiro Kibara and Shigeyuki Baba, “InstantHolographic Portrait Printing System”, Proceeding of SPIE, Vol. 3293,pp. 246-253, January 1998.

[0013] (7) Kihara, Shirokura, Baba, “High Speed Hologram PortraitPrinting System”, Three-Dimensional Image Conference 1998, July in 1998.

[0014] These documents disclose systems for supplying a service from theimaging of an object to the printing of a result of the imaging at thesame place.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A user, who wish to use the aforesaid system or a systemproviding a service including steps starting from the imaging of anobject to the printing of a result of the imaging at the same place,still have to go to a place where such system is operated for imagingand obtaining the printed matter thereof. Furthermore, in such systems,there is no means for obtaining additional copy of printed matter in thefuture.

[0016] For such reasons, the user may feel inconvenience to use thesystem, and the other convenient features provided by the systems maynot appeal to the user anymore.

[0017] However, in order to increase the sales volume of such systems,it is necessary to increase the number of business operation sites.Moreover, there is also the following problem. When the number ofoperation sites in the systems has been increased more, the initial costto be invested to start the business increases further. Accordingly, itmay take a longer period of time to collect cost of the systems if thenumber of users per a unit period are not enough and if the operationefficiency of the systems is not kept in a higher level. Since thesystem for printing a motion picture and a parallax image is at theirdeveloping stages, the cost of the apparatus in the system is very highand the necessity of evading the aforesaid problems is very important.

[0018] The present invention was made under consideration of above-citedconditions. It is desired to provide a system for receiving an order ofprinting an image and a method for receiving an order of printing animage, both being capable of providing both of a user and an businessoperator with superior facilities, which enable the user to reorderprinted matter based on the imaging data previously obtained and enablethe business operator to increase the operation efficiency of thesystem.

[0019] A print order receiving system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatus forimaging an object; a first order receiving apparatus connected with theplural imaging apparatus through a first network, the first orderreceiving apparatus receiving an order of a print output at capturedimage data obtained through the imaging of the object, the imaging beingperformed by each of the plural imaging apparatus; an image storingapparatus connected with the plural imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork, the image storing apparatus storing image data including thecaptured image data supplied from each of the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network; a first print out apparatus connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through the first network, the first printout apparatus printing the image data including at least the capturedimage data supplied from the image storing apparatus through the firstnetwork to output initial printed matter; and a shipping terminalconnected with the plural imaging apparatus through the first network,the shipping terminal executing shipping processing of the initialprinted matter in correspondence with each captured image data.

[0020] When this print order receiving system according to theembodiment of the invention receives an order of the print output of theimage data including at least the captured image data obtained by theplural imaging apparatus with the first order receiving apparatus, thesystem stores the captured image data in the image storing apparatusthrough the first network; the system then prints the image dataincluding at least the captured image data with the first print outapparatus to generate the initial printed matter; and then the systemships the initial printed matter to deliver the initial printed matterto a user.

[0021] Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of:imaging objects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; receiving an orderof a print output by a first order receiving apparatus, connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through a first network, at captured imagedata obtained by the imaging of the object, the imaging being performedby each of the plural imaging apparatus; storing image data includingthe captured image data supplied from each of the plural imagingapparatus through the first network by an image storing apparatusconnected with the plural imaging apparatus through the first network;printing the image data including at least the captured image datasupplied from the image storing apparatus through the first network tooutput initial printed matter by a first print out apparatus connectedwith the plural imaging apparatus through the first network; andshipping the initial printed matter in correspondence with the capturedimage data by a shipping terminal connected with the plural imagingapparatus through the first network.

[0022] When this method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to the embodiment of the invention receives an order of theprint output of the image data including at least the captured imagedata obtained by the plural imaging apparatus with the first orderreceiving apparatus, in the method, the captured image data is stored inthe image storing apparatus through the first network; then the imagedata including at least the captured image data is printed by the firstprint out apparatus to generate the initial printed matter; and then theinitial printed matter is shipped to deliver the initial printed matterto a user.

[0023] Moreover, a print order receiving system according to anembodiment of the invention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatusfor imaging an object; a second order receiving apparatus connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through a first network, the second orderreceiving apparatus being supplied with captured image data obtained byimaging of the object by each of the plural imaging apparatus from eachof the plural imaging apparatus through the first network, the secondorder receiving apparatus receiving an order of a print output of eachof the captured image data, the second order receiving apparatustemporarily stores the captured image data at each order; an imagestoring apparatus connected with the second order receiving apparatusthrough a second network that is different from the first network, theimage storing apparatus storing image data including the captured imagedata supplied from the second order receiving apparatus through thesecond network; a first order receiving apparatus connected with thesecond order receiving apparatus through the second network, the firstorder receiving apparatus receiving an order of the print output atcaptured image data temporarily stored in the second order receivingapparatus; a first print out apparatus connected with the second orderreceiving apparatus through the second network, the first print outapparatus printing the image data including at least the captured imagedata supplied from the image storing apparatus through the secondnetwork to output initial printed matter; and a shipping terminalconnected with the second order receiving apparatus through the secondnetwork, the shipping terminal executing shipping processing of theinitial printed matter in correspondence with each captured image data.

[0024] When this print order receiving system according to theembodiment of the invention receives an order of the print output of theimage data including at least the captured image data obtained by theplural imaging apparatus with the second order receiving apparatus, thesystem stores the captured image data in the image storing apparatusthrough the second network; the system then prints the image dataincluding at least the captured image data with the first print outapparatus to generate the initial printed matter after the systemreceives the order finally with the first order receiving apparatus; andthen the system ships the initial printed matter to deliver the initialprinted matter to a user.

[0025] Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of:imaging objects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; supplying capturedimage data from each of the plural imaging apparatus to a second orderreceiving apparatus through a first network, the captured image datahaving been obtained by imaging of the object by each of the pluralimaging apparatus, the second order receiving apparatus being connectedwith the plural imaging apparatus through the first network; receivingan order of a print output by the second order receiving apparatus atevery captured image data; storing the captured image data temporarilyat every order by the second order receiving apparatus; storing imagedata including the captured image data supplied from the second orderreceiving apparatus through a second network different from the firstnetwork by an image storing apparatus connected with the second orderreceiving apparatus through the second network; receiving an order ofthe print output at each of the captured image data temporarily storedin the second order receiving apparatus by a first order receivingapparatus connected with the second order receiving apparatus throughthe second network; printing the image data including at least thecaptured image data supplied from the image storing apparatus throughthe second network to output initial printed matter by a first print outapparatus connected with the second order receiving apparatus throughthe second network; and shipping the initial printed matter incorrespondence with each of the captured image data by a shippingterminal connected with the second order receiving apparatus through thesecond network.

[0026] When this method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to the embodiment of the invention receives an order of theprint output of the image data including at least the captured imagedata obtained by the plural imaging apparatus with the second orderreceiving apparatus, in the method, the captured image data is stored inthe image storing apparatus through the second network; then the imagedata including at least the captured image data is printed by the firstprint out apparatus to generate the initial printed matter after theorder is finally received with the first order receiving apparatus; andthen the initial printed matter is shipped to deliver to a user.

[0027] Moreover, a print order receiving system according to anembodiment of the invention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatusfor imaging an object; a first order receiving apparatus connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through a first network, the first orderreceiving apparatus receiving an order of a print output at capturedimage data obtained by imaging of the object, the imaging beingperformed by each of the plural imaging apparatus; an image storingapparatus connected with the plural imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork, the image storing apparatus storing image data including thecaptured image data supplied from each of the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network; and a first print out apparatus connectedwith the plural imaging apparatus through the first network, the firstprint out apparatus printing the captured image data supplied from theimaging apparatus through the first network and the image data suppliedfrom the image storing apparatus through the first network to outputinitial printed matter.

[0028] When this print order receiving system according to theembodiment of the invention receives an order of the print output of theimage data including at least the captured image data obtained by theplural imaging apparatus with the first order receiving apparatus, thesystem stores the captured image data in the image storing apparatusthrough the first network; the system then prints the captured imagedata supplied from the imaging apparatus and the image data suppliedfrom the image storing apparatus with the first print out apparatus togenerate the initial printed matter; and then the initial printed matteris delivered to a user on the spot.

[0029] Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of:imaging objects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; receiving an orderof a print output by a first order receiving apparatus, connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through a first network, at captured imagedata obtained by imaging of the object, the imaging being performed byeach of the plural imaging apparatus; storing image data including thecaptured image data supplied from each of the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network by an image storing apparatus connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through the first network; and printing thecaptured image data supplied from the imaging apparatus through thefirst network and the image data supplied from the image storingapparatus through the first network to output initial printed matter bya first print out apparatus connected with the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network.

[0030] When this method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to the embodiment of the invention receives an order of theprint output of the image data including at least the captured imagedata obtained by the plural imaging apparatus with the first orderreceiving apparatus, in the method, the captured image data is stored inthe image storing apparatus through the first network; then the capturedimage data supplied from the imaging apparatus and the image datasupplied from the image storing apparatus are printed by the first printout apparatus to generate the initial printed matter; and then theinitial printed matter is delivered to a user on the spot.

[0031] Moreover, a print order receiving system according to anembodiment of the invention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatusfor imaging an object; a second order receiving apparatus connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through a first network, the second orderreceiving apparatus being supplied with captured image data obtained byimaging of the object by the plural imaging apparatus from each of theplural imaging apparatus through the first network, the second orderreceiving apparatus receiving an order of a print output of each of thecaptured image data, the second order receiving apparatus temporarilystores the captured image data at each order; an image storing apparatusconnected with the second order receiving apparatus through a secondnetwork that is different from the first network, the image storingapparatus storing image data including the captured image data suppliedfrom the second order receiving apparatus through the second network; afirst order receiving apparatus connected with the second orderreceiving apparatus through the second network, the first orderreceiving apparatus receiving an order of the print output at everycaptured image data temporarily stored in the second order receivingapparatus; and a first print out apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through the second network, the first print outapparatus printing the captured image data supplied from the imagingapparatus through the second network and the image data supplied fromthe image storing apparatus through the second network to output initialprinted matter.

[0032] This print order receiving system according to the embodiment ofthe invention prints the captured image data obtained by the pluralimaging apparatus and the image data supplied from the image storingapparatus to generate the initial printed matter with first print outapparatus, and the system delivers the initial printed matter to a useron the spot. When the system receives an order of the print output ofthe image data including at least the captured image data with thesecond order receiving apparatus, the system stores the image dataincluding the captured image data in the image storing apparatus throughthe second network, and the system finally receives the order with thefirst order receiving apparatus.

[0033] Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of:imaging objects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; printing capturedimage data supplied from the imaging apparatus through a first networkand the image data supplied from the image storing apparatus through thefirst network to output initial printed matter by a first print outapparatus connected with the plural imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork; supplying captured image data from each of the plural imagingapparatus through the first network, the captured image data having beenobtained by imaging of the object by each of the plural imagingapparatus; receiving an order of a print output by a second orderreceiving apparatus at every captured image data, the second orderreceiving apparatus being connected with the plural imaging apparatusthrough a second network that is different from the first network;storing the captured image data temporarily at every order by the secondorder receiving apparatus; storing image data including the capturedimage data supplied from the second order receiving apparatus throughthe first network by an image storing apparatus connected with thesecond order receiving apparatus through the first network; andreceiving an order of the print output at each of the captured imagedata temporarily stored in the second order receiving apparatus by afirst order receiving apparatus connected with the second orderreceiving apparatus through the first network.

[0034] In this method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to the embodiment of the invention, the captured image dataobtained by the plural imaging apparatus and the image data suppliedfrom the image storing apparatus are printed to generate the initialprinted matter with first print out apparatus, and the initial printedmatter is delivered to a user on the spot. Further in the method, whenan order of the print output of the image data including at least thecaptured image data is received by the second order receiving apparatus,the image data including the captured image data is stored in the imagestoring apparatus through the second network, and the order is finallyreceived by the first order receiving apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The above and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the followingdescription of the presently preferred exemplary embodiment of theinvention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printorder receiving system as a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning imaging, which information is stored in imaging databasesincluded in imaging apparatus equipped in the print order receivingsystem;

[0038]FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving, which information is stored in a receivingdatabase included in a first order receiving server equipped in theprint order receiving system;

[0039]FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning image data, which information is stored in an image databaseincluded in an image storing server equipped in the print orderreceiving system;

[0040]FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning charging and settlement, which information is stored in acharging database included in a charging & settlement server equipped inthe print order receiving system;

[0041]FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning the receiving of an order, which information is stored in anorder database included in the first order receiving server equipped inthe print order receiving system;

[0042]FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating information handed overbetween each apparatus in the print order receiving system;

[0043]FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus;

[0044]FIG. 9 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a connectionand user inquiry process and a reception and received contentconfirmation process in the processes of reordering later printed matteron the basis of captured image data later;

[0045]FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a paymentconfirmation and order receiving process and a printing and shippingprocess in the processes of reordering later printed matter on the basisof captured image data later;

[0046]FIG. 11 is a bock diagram illustrating the configuration of aprint order receiving system as a second embodiment of the invention;

[0047]FIG. 12 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving, which information is stored in an orderdatabase included in a second order receiving server equipped in theprint order receiving system;

[0048]FIG. 13 is a diagram for illustrating information handed overbetween each apparatus in the print order receiving system;

[0049]FIG. 14 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus;

[0050]FIG. 15 is a bock diagram illustrating the configuration of aprint order receiving system as a third embodiment of the invention;

[0051]FIG. 16 is a diagram for illustrating information handed overbetween each apparatus in the print order receiving system;

[0052]FIG. 17 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus;

[0053]FIG. 18 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a connectionand user inquiry process and a reception and received contentconfirmation process in the processes of reordering later printed matteron the basis of captured image data later;

[0054]FIG. 19 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a paymentconfirmation and order receiving process and a printing and shippingprocess in the processes of reordering later printed matter on the basisof captured image data later;

[0055]FIG. 20 is a bock diagram illustrating the configuration of aprint order receiving system as a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0056]FIG. 21 is a diagram for illustrating information handed overbetween each apparatus in the print order receiving system; and

[0057]FIG. 22 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0058] Hereinafter, detailed embodiments, to which the present inventionis applied, are described in detail by reference to the attacheddrawings.

[0059] The embodiments concern a print order receiving system receivingorder through a network when a two-dimensional or a three-dimensionalimage or picture (hereinafter referred to as image) including a staticimage, a motion picture and/or a parallax image, all being obtained byimaging, is supplied as printed matter. The print order receiving systemsupplies a service through the a network, and a user can accordinglyreorder the printed matter obtained by imaging before, and further anbusiness operator can accordingly increase the operation efficiency ofthe system.

[0060] At first, a first embodiment of the present invention isdescribed as follows. A print order receiving system, as shown in FIG.1, includes an imaging apparatus 10 for imaging at least an object, anoutput receiving server 20 as a first order receiving apparatus forreceiving an order of a print output of an image, an image storingserver 30 for storing the image, a print out apparatus 40 for printingthe image to output printed matter, a shipping terminal 50 for executingshipping processing of the printed matter, an image processing server 60for performing various kinds of processing of the image, a charging &settlement server 70 for performing the charging and the settlement ofordered printed matter, an order receiving server 80 as a second orderreceiving apparatus for receiving at least a reorder of the image, and auser terminal 90 owned by a user.

[0061] The output receiving server 20, the image storing server 30, theprint out apparatus 40 and the shipping terminal 50 among thoseapparatus constitute the so-called backyard. The image processing server60, the charging & settlement server 70 and the order receiving server80 constitute a server group as the so-called storefront incorrespondence with a user. Moreover, a network connecting the userterminal 90, the image processing server 60, the charging & settlementserver 70 and the order receiving server 80 with each other is a publicnetwork such as the Internet. A network connecting the imaging apparatus10, the output receiving server 20, the image storing server 30, theprint out apparatus 40, the shipping terminal 50, the image processingserver 60, and the order receiving server 80 with each other is anetwork configured between business operators such as the so-calledintranet or the like. In other words, in the print order receivingsystem, the imaging apparatus 10 are disposed at a plurality of placesthrough the network, and a plurality of the user terminals 90 areconnected to the network connecting the image processing server 60, thecharging & settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80 witheach other.

[0062] The imaging apparatus 10 includes an imaging section 11 forimaging at least an object, an image computer 12 for performing thewhole processing at event of imaging, the generation of various kinds ofdata, and the like, an imaging database 13 for storing various kinds ofinformation concerning the imaging as a database, and an receipt-issuing14 for issuing a receipt for certifying the contents of an order whenthe print output of the image is ordered.

[0063] The imaging section 11 is composed of, for example, a chargecoupled device (CCD) camera, a necessary optical system and the like,and the imaging section 11 images the object and a background and thelike as occasion demands under the control of the image computer 12.Captured image data obtained by the imaging of the imaging section 11are supplied to the image computer 12.

[0064] The image computer 12 performs the control of the imaging section11 at the event of imaging, and receives captured image data obtained bythe imaging of the imaging section 11 to supply the captured image datato the image storing server 30. Moreover, the image computer 12generates various kinds of information concerning imaging, theinformation indicating the contents of the imaging, at every imaging.The image computer 12 supplies the information to the imaging database13 and the output receiving server 20 as order data. Moreover, the imagecomputer 12 controls the receipt-issuing 14 to make it issue a receipt.

[0065] The imaging database 13 includes a large capacity storage mediumsuch as a hard disc drive, and the image computer 12 stores variouskinds of information concerning imaging, the information concerning theimaging generated by the image computer 12, as a database.

[0066] The various kinds of information concerning the imaging to bestored in the imaging database 13 are composed of, for example, as shownin FIG. 2, “Image number (Order Number)” indicating the identificationnumber specific to each imaging (order), “Password” for certifying theeligibility of right of access to captured image data, “Imaging Date(Order Date)”, “Order Output Type” indicating the type of an orderingimage, “Order Size” and “Order Quantity” indicating the size and thequantity of the ordering image, respectively, “Addressee's Name” and“Addressee's Address” indicating the address of the image as the printedmatter, “Captured Image Data” indicating the image data corresponding tothe “Imaging Number”, and “Foreground Image Data” and “Background ImageData” indicating the image data for being synthesized with the capturedimage data as a foreground and a background, respectively.

[0067] As for “Image number (Order Number)”, each imaging (order) isgiven its peculiar identification number such as “JPCAM001” and“JPCAM002”. “Password” is composed of a character string made by therandom collection of, e.g. alphabet characters and numerals, and eachimaging (order) is given its peculiar information such as “468ace02” and“97531fdb” as its password. “Imaging Date (Order Date)” indicates thedate when each imaging (order) is given in an information form of, e.g.its year/month/date/time. “Order Output Type” indicates the type of anordering image such as “color” or “monochrome”. “Order Size” indicatesthe size of the ordering image by the information such as “LargePrinting (L)” and “Small Printing (S)”. “Order Quantity” indicates thenumber of sheets of the ordering image. “Addressee's Name” indicates thename corresponding to the addressee of the ordered image, and the nameis, e.g. the full name of each user. “Addressee's Address” indicateseach address corresponding to the addressee of each ordered image, andthe address is, e.g. the address of each user. “Captured Image Data” arelink information to the captured image data itself obtained by theimaging by the imaging section 11, and the “Captured Image Data”indicate the type of the image such as a “static image” or a “motionpicture” as the need arises. “Foreground Image Data” indicates theidentification number of image data to be synthesized with the capturedimage data obtained by the imaging by the imaging section 11 as aforeground, and a number peculiar to the image data such as “JPFR001” isgiven as the “Foreground Image Data”. “Background Image Data” indicatesthe identification number of image data to be synthesized with thecaptured image data obtained by the imaging by the imaging section 11 asa background, and a number peculiar to the image data such as “JPBK002”and “JPBK001” are given as the “Background Image Data”.

[0068] The imaging database 13 stores such information to be generatedcorresponding to a plurality of events of imaging as a database. Variouskinds of information are read from the imaging database 13 by the imagecomputer 12 as the need arises.

[0069] The receipt-issuing 14 issues at least the aforesaid “Imagenumber (Order Number)” and “Password” as a receipt under the control ofthe image computer 12. In other words, the receipt has the enteredinformation for the certification of the contents of an order. A userreorders of printed matter on the basis of the information entered inthe receipt. In addition, in the print order receiving system, a receiptmay be delivered to a user on the spot by being printed and issued bythe receipt-issuing 14. The receipt can also be delivered to the user bythe transmission of the receipt to the user terminal 90 through thenetwork by the use of the so-called mail function. In the latter case,by the input of the address of the user terminal 90 where the user wantsto transmit the receipt with a not shown operating section, the imagingapparatus 10 transmits the receipt issued by the receipt-issuing 14 tothe user terminal 90 designated by the address through a predeterminedprovider under the control of the image computer 12 as mail.

[0070] This imaging apparatus 10 are only ones to which a user goes tothe situated places and faces them among various kinds of apparatus thatthe business operator has established. The user performs imaging at anearby imaging apparatus 10. By the payment of a rental fee in, forexample, coins by the user, the imaging apparatus 10 images at least anobject, and the imaging apparatus 10 generates the informationconcerning the imaging together with captured image data.

[0071] The output receiving server 20 includes a receiving computer 21for performing the whole processing concerning the order receiving of aprint output of an image, the generation of various kinds of data, andthe like, and a receiving database 22 for storing the various kinds ofinformation concerning order receiving as a database.

[0072] The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds ofinformation concerning the order receiving on the basis of the aforesaidorder data supplied from the imaging apparatus 10 to supply thegenerated information to the receiving database 22. Moreover, thereceiving computer 21 generates the information to be needed forre-receiving the order of the print output of the image as thepreparation for a user's reorder of the printed matter of the imagecorresponding to the order data later, and the receiving computer 21supplies the generated information to the order receiving server 80 asreorder receiving inquiry data. Moreover, the receiving computer 21generates a print instruction control signal for instructing theprinting of an image. The receiving computer 21 supplies the printinstruction control signal to the print out apparatus 40 and further thereceiving computer 21 supplies an image requirement control signalindicating the requirement of image data to be printed to the imagestoring server 30. Furthermore, at the event of the re-receiving of anorder, the receiving computer 21 receives re-receiving data from theorder receiving server 80 to generate the various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving on the basis of the re-receiving data. Thenthe receiving computer 21 supplies the generated information to thereceiving database 22.

[0073] The receiving database 22 includes a large capacity storagemedium such as a hard disk drive, and stores the various kinds ofinformation that concern order receiving and were generated by thereceiving computer 21 as a database.

[0074] The various kinds of information that concern order receiving andare to be stored in the receiving database 22 were generated by thereceiving computer 21 on the basis of the aforesaid order data suppliedfrom the imaging apparatus 10. The various kinds of information arecomposed of, for example, as shown in the upper two lines of FIG. 3, theelements of “Image number (Order Number)”, “Password”, “Imaging Date(Order Date)”, “Order Output Type”, “Order Size”, “Order Quantity”,“Addressee's Name”, “Addressee's Address”, “Captured Image Data”,“Foreground Image Data” and “Background Image Data” like the aforesaidvarious kinds of information concerning imaging. The informationconcerning imaging is used as it is as the information except for“Captured Image Data” among these various kinds of information.Moreover, as to “Captured Image Data”, “Image number (Order Number)” isgiven as the link information to the corresponding captured image data.

[0075] Moreover, there are some kinds of information generated by thereceiving computer 21 on the basis of the aforesaid re-receiving datasupplied from the order receiving server 80. Those kinds of information,for example, are shown in the lower two lined of FIG. 3. Among thesevarious kinds of information, the information the “Image number (OrderNumber)” of which is designated by “JPNET001” indicates a reorder of aprint output of an image made by the synthesis of the image data of“JPFR002” and “JPBK001” as the foreground image data and the backgroundimage data, respectively, with the captured image data that once imagedand is designated by “JPCAM002”. The information the “Image number(Order Number)” of which is designated by “JPNET002” indicates a reorderof a print output of an image made by the synthesis of the image data of“JPFR002” and “JPBK001” as the foreground image data and the backgroundimage data, respectively, with the captured image data that once imagedand is designated by “JPCAM001”.

[0076] The receiving database 22 stores such information as generatedcorresponding to a plurality of kinds of order receiving as a database.Various kinds of information are read from the receiving database 22 bythe receiving computer 21 as the need arises.

[0077] This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processingconcerning the order receiving of a print out of an image, and generatesthe information concerning each order receiving indicating the contentsof the order receiving.

[0078] The image storing server 30 includes an image computer 31 forperforming the whole control at the event of storing image data, thegeneration of various kinds of data and the like, and an image database32 for storing various kinds of information concerning the storage ofimage data as a database.

[0079] The image computer 31 receives the captured image data obtainedby the imaging of the imaging apparatus 10 and makes the image database32 equipped with a not shown large capacity storage medium such as ahard disk drive store the received captured image data. Moreover, theimage computer 31 makes the image database 32 store various kinds ofimage data such as the image data generated by computer graphics (CG)besides the captured image data obtained by the imaging of the imagingapparatus 10. In other words, the image computer 31 makes the imagedatabase 32 store the foreground image and the background image besidesthe aforesaid captured image data. Moreover, the image computer 31generates various kinds of information concerning image data indicatingthe contents of the image data corresponding to the stored image data.The image computer 31 supplies the generated information to the imagedatabase 32 for making the image database 32 store the suppliedinformation. Furthermore, the image computer 31 reads the image datafrom the image database 32 that were required corresponding to an imagerequirement control signal supplied from the output receiving server 20and the print out apparatus 40. The image computer 31 supplies the readimage data to the print out apparatus 40. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 31 reads the image data from the image database 32 which wererequired corresponding to the image requirement control signal suppliedfrom the image processing server 60. The image computer 31 supplies theread image data to the image processing server 60.

[0080] The image database 32 includes a large capacity storage mediumsuch as a hard disk drive. The image database 32 stores various kinds ofimage data under the control of the image computer 31, and storesvarious kinds of information that concern image data and are generatedby the image computer 31 as a database.

[0081] The various kinds of information that concern the image data andare stored in the image database 32 are, for example, as shown in FIG.4, composed of the elements of “Image Number (Imaging or Order Number)”indicating the identification number peculiar to each imaging (order),“Password” for certifying the eligibility of right of access to capturedimage data, “Registered Date (Imaging or Order Date)” indicating thedata when the image data were stored, and “Image Data” indicating theimage data corresponding to “Image Number (Imaging or Order Number)”.

[0082] As for “Image number (Imaging or Order Number)”, each image datais given its peculiar identification number such as “JPFR001”,“JPBK001”, “JPBK002”, “JPCAM001” and “JPCAM002”. Now, the image datadesignated by “JPFR001” and “JPFR002” are each stored in the imagecomputer 31 as the foreground image data as mentioned above. The imagedata designated by “JPBK001” and “JPBK002” are severally stored in theimage computer 31 as the background image data as mentioned above.Moreover, the image data designated by “JPCAM001” and “JPCAM002” areseverally stored as the captured image data obtained by the imaging ofthe imaging apparatus 10 as mentioned above. “Password” is composed of acharacter string made by the random collection of, e.g. alphabetcharacters and numerals, and each captured image data is given itspeculiar information. It is needless to say that “Password” to thecaptured image data obtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 10is the same one in the various kinds of information concerning theaforesaid imaging. “Registered Date (Imaging or Order Date)” indicatesthe date when the imaging data were registered in the image computer 31or the data when the imaging (order) was performed. “Image Data” arelink information to the stored image data, and the “Image Data” indicatethe type of the image such as a “static image” or a “motion picture” asthe need arises.

[0083] The image database 32 stores such information generatedcorresponding to a plurality of image data as a database. Various kindsof information are read from the image database 32 by the image computer31 as the need arises.

[0084] This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data,and generates the information concerning image data.

[0085] The print out apparatus 40 includes an output computer 41 forperforming the whole processing at the event of outputting printedmatter, and a printer 42 for discharging the printed matter.

[0086] When a printing instruction control signal instructing theprinting of an image is supplied to the output computer 41 from theoutput receiving server 20, the output computer 41 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be printed to the image storing server 30, and the output computer 41makes the printer 42 print the image data read in response to the imagerequirement control signal. When the printing ends, the output computer41 supplies a print ending control signal indicating the ending of theprinting of an image together with the generated printed matter to theshipping terminal 50.

[0087] The printer 42 prints an image under the control of the outputcomputer 41 to discharge it as printed matter to the outside. Theprinted matter is supplied to the shipping terminal 50 by the outputcomputer 41 as mentioned above.

[0088] This print out apparatus 40 prints the designated image, andgenerates printed matter as a final shipping object.

[0089] The shipping terminal 50 includes a shipping computer 51 forexecuting the whole control at the event of the shipment of printedmatter.

[0090] When a print ending control signal indicating the end of theprinting of an image is supplied to the shipping computer 51 from theprint out apparatus 40, the shipping computer 51 performs various kindsof processing for the preparation for shipment. To put it specifically,the shipping computer 51 generates the information concerning theaddressee, printed matter and the like for shipping the designatedprinted matter to the correct addressee. When the preparation for theshipping is completed, the printed matter is shipped. As the form of theshipment, for example, a transportation trust to a transport company orthe like, a mailing trust and the like can be considered. The shippingcomputer 51 generates shipping information indicating the shipping ofthe printed matter, and records the information in, for example, a harddisk drive or the like, or displays the information on a display.

[0091] This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processingsuch as the generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

[0092] The image processing server 60 includes a processing computer 61for performing image processing.

[0093] When a preview display instruction control signal for instructingthe not shown display of the user terminal 90 to display an image issupplied to the processing computer 61 from the order receiving server80, the processing computer 61 supplies an image requirement controlsignal indicating the requirement of the image data to be displayed tothe image storing server 30. Then, the processing computer 61 processesthe image data that were read in response to the image requirementcontrol signal as the need arises, and the processing computer 61supplies the read image data to the user terminal 90 as a preview imageto make the displaying the preview image. The processing computer 61performs as its image processing such as the processing for synthesizingcaptured image data and desired foreground image data and/or desiredbackground image data.

[0094] This image processing server 60 processes image data to generatea preview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

[0095] The charging & settlement server 70 includes a charging computer71 for performing the whole processing for charging and settlement andthe generation of various kinds of data, and a charging database 72 forstoring various kinds of information concerning charging and settlementas a database.

[0096] When a charging instruction control signal for instructingcharging is supplied to the charging computer 71 from the orderreceiving server 80, the charging computer 71 requires paymentinformation, which is the information concerning a payment methodnecessary for the payment of charge, of the user terminal 90. Then, whenthe charging computer 71 receives the payment information from the userterminal 90 as reorder data, the charging computer 71 executes itscharging processing. And then, the charging computer 71 supplies apayment completion control signal indicating the completion of paymentto the user terminal 90. Moreover, the charging computer 71 supplies acharging completion control signal indicating the completion of thecharging processing to the order receiving server 80. The chargingcomputer 71 generates various kinds of information concerning thecharging and the settlement, both indicating the contents of chargingprocessing on the basis of the reorder data at the event of theprocessing to make the charging database 72 store the information.

[0097] The charging database 72 includes a large capacity storage mediumsuch as a hard disk drive. The various kinds of information that concerncharging and settlement and are generated by the charging computer 71are stored in the charging database 72 as a database.

[0098] The various kinds of information that concern charging andsettlement and are to be stored in the charging database 72 are, forexample, as shown in FIG. 5, composed of “Charging Number” indicatingthe identification number peculiar to each request of a charge,“Charging Date” indicating the date of the commencement of chargingprocessing, “Charged Amount (Ordered Price)”, “Payment Method”,“Financial Institution Name”, “Credit Card Number & Account Number” and“Settlement Status”.

[0099] The identification number peculiar to each request of a chargesuch as “JPPAY800” and “JPPAY801” is given as “Charging Number”.“Charging Date” indicates the data of the commencement of chargingprocessing. “Charged Amount (Ordered Price)” indicates the charge of theordered printed matter. “Payment Method” indicates the method of thepayment of each charge such as the payment of the charge from a bankaccount. In the columns of “Payment Method”, for example, theinformation of “Credit Card” is recorded when a user hopes the paymentwith a credit card, and the information of “Bank Account” is recordedwhen a user hopes the payment from a bank account. “FinancialInstitution Name” indicates the name of a financial institutioncorresponding to each payment method. In the columns of “FinancialInstitution Name”, for example, the name of a credit card company isrecorded when a user hopes the payment with a credit card, and the nameof a bank is recorded when a user hopes the payment from the user'sbanking account. “Credit Card Number & Account Number” indicates eachcredit card number corresponding to each payment method. In the columnsof “Credit Card Number & Account Number”, for example, the credit cardnumber of a user is recorded when the user hopes the payment with thecredit card, and the cash card number of a bank of a user is recordedwhen the user hopes the payment from the bank account. “SettlementStatus” indicates each progressing status of charging processing such as“Payment Pending” and “Payment Received”.

[0100] The charging database 72 stores such information generatedcorresponding to a plurality of status of charging processing as adatabase. Various kinds of information are read from the chargingdatabase 72 by the charging computer 71 as the need arises.

[0101] This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

[0102] The order receiving server 80 includes an order computer 81 forperforming the whole processing at the event of receiving an orderincluding a reorder for an image and the generation of various kinds ofdata, and an order database 82 for storing various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of orders of images as a database.

[0103] The order computer 81 generates various kinds of information,which concern the receiving of an order including a reorder and indicatethe contents of the order, on the basis of the reorder receiving inquirydata for the preparation for a case in which a user reorders theaforesaid print matter of the image corresponding to the order data whenthe reorder receiving inquiry data generated by the output receivingserver 20 is supplied. Then, the order computer 81 supplies theinformation to the order database 82.

[0104] And then, the order computer 81 makes a not shown display of theuser terminal 90 display a predetermined initial screen for reorderingwhen a connection is required by the user terminal 90. When variouskinds of information indicating reordered contents are supplied to theorder computer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry using the aforesaid reorder receivinginquiry data when a requirement of a reorder is transmitted from theuser terminal 90. When the user is an eligible person as a result of theinquiring, the order computer 81 makes the displaying of a predeterminedmenu screen for reordering on the display screen of the user terminal90. According to a selection operation of the user terminal 90 with themenu screen, the order computer 81 supplies a preview displayinstruction control signal for making the display of the user terminal90 display a preview image to the image processing server 60. Then, whena confirmation control signal indicating an order after the confirmationof the preview image is supplied to the order computer 81 from the userterminal 90, the order computer 81 makes the display of the userterminal 90 display a predetermined payment method screen concerning thepayment of a charge. In response to a selection operation of the userterminal 90 with the payment method screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid charging instruction control signal Instructingcharging to the charging & settlement server 70. Moreover, when theaforesaid charging completion control signal indicating the completionof charging processing is supplied to the order computer 81 from thecharging & settlement server 70, the order computer 81 supplies areception completion control signal indicating the completion ofreceiving the reorder to the user terminal 90, and further the ordercomputer 81 supplies re-receiving data indicating the contents of thereorder to the output receiving server 20. The order computer 81generates the information that concerns the reorder and indicates thecontents of the reorder as the aforesaid various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of the order, and the information is suppliedto the order database 82.

[0105] The order database 82 includes a large capacity storage mediumsuch as a hard disc drive, and the order database 82 stores variouskinds of information that were generated by the order computer 81 andconcern the reception of an order as a database.

[0106] The various kinds of information concerning the reception of anorder to be stored in the order database 82 are composed of, forexample, as shown in FIG. 6, the elements of “Order Number” indicatingthe identification number peculiar to each order, “Password” forverifying the right to access each captured image data, “Order Date”indicating each ordered date, “Order Output Type” indicating the type ofeach ordered image, “Ordered Size”, “Ordered Quantity” and “OrderedPrice” indicating the size, the quantity and the price of each orderedimage, respectively, “Charging Number” numbered at every requirement ofa charge as its peculiar identification number, “Addressee's Name” and“Addressee's Address”, both indicating the addressee of each image asprinted matter, “Captured Image Data” indicating the image datacorresponding to the order number, and “Foreground Image Data” and“Background image Data” to be synthesized with the captured image dataas a foreground and a background, respectively.

[0107] As for “Order Number”, each order is given its peculiaridentification number such as “JPCAM001”, “JPCAM002”, “JPNET001” and“JPNET002”. Now, the information the “Order Number” of which isdesignated by “JPCAM***” indicates that the information is an order bythe imaging of the imaging apparatus 10. The information the “OrderNumber” of which is designated by “JPNET***” indicates that theinformation is a reorder based on the captured image data that were onceimaged. “Password” is composed of a character string made by the randomcollection of, e.g. alphabet characters and numerals, and each order isgiven its peculiar information. It is needless to say that that“Password” to the captured image data obtained by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 10 is the same one in the various kinds of informationconcerning the aforesaid imaging. “Password” to the captured image datato be reordered is the same one in the aforesaid various kinds ofinformation concerning the order receiving. In other words, “Password”is given to each of the captured imaging data obtained by the firstimaging of the imaging apparatus 10. “Order Date” indicates the datewhen each order is issued. “Order Output Type” indicates the type ofeach ordered image. “Ordered Size” indicates the size of the orderedimage. “Ordered Quantity” indicates the number of sheets of the orderedimage, and “Ordered Price” indicates each total price designated by theunit price of each ordered merchandise multiplied by its quantity. Eachrequirement for a charge is given its peculiar identification number asits “Charging Number”. “Addressee's Name” indicates the namecorresponding to the addressee of each ordered image. “Addressee'sAddress” indicates each address corresponding to the addressee of eachordered image. “Captured Image Data” are link information to the orderedcaptured image data, and indicate the type of images such as a staticimage or a motion picture as the need arises. “Foreground Image Data”indicate the identification number of the image data to be synthesizedwith the ordered captured image data as a foreground. “Background ImageData” indicate the identification number of the image data to besynthesized with the ordered capture image data as a background.

[0108] The order database 82 stores such information to be generatedcorresponding to a plurality of orders including reorders as a database.Various kinds of information are read from the order database 82 by theorder computer 81 as the need arises.

[0109] This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reordersof images and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

[0110] The user terminal 90 includes a user computer 91 for the usage ofa user.

[0111] The user computer 91 is a computer in possession or available tothe user's side, and such user computer 91 is an apparatus such as apersonal computer, a cellular phone, or a portable information terminalapparatus like a personal digital assistant or the like, all of themcapable of being connected with a network such as the Internet. The usercomputer 91 makes a connection request to the order receiving server 80by a predetermined provider at the event of performing the reorder of animage. When the connection is permitted, the user computer 91 downloadsthe aforesaid predetermined initial screen for reorder from the orderreceiving server 80, and displays the initial screen on the displaythereof (not shown in the figures). Moreover, when a user makes arequest of a reorder by operating the buttons or the like on the initialscreen, the user computer 91 supplies the reorder data to the orderreceiving server 80 in response to the request of the reorder data fromthe order receiving server 80. When the reorder is permitted as a resultthereof, the user computer 91 downloads the aforesaid predetermined menuscreen for reorder from the order receiving server 80, and the usercomputer 91 displays the menu screen on the display. Furthermore, theuser computer 91 downloads a preview image of the printed matter of thereordered image from the image processing server 60, and the usercomputer 91 displays the preview image on the display. When the userconfirms the preview image and performs a predetermined operation forindicating the decision of the reorder in response to the display of thepreview image, the user computer 91 supplies the aforesaid confirmationcontrol signal to the order receiving server 80. Then, the user computer91 downloads the aforesaid predetermined payment method screen from theorder receiving server 80, and displays the payment method screen on thedisplay. By the user's operation of the button or the like on thepayment method screen for the selection of a payment method, the usercomputer 91 supplies a payment method control signal indicating theselected payment method to the order receiving server 80. Furthermore,by the user's input of the predetermined payment information with a notshown operation section in response to the request of the aforesaidpayment information from the charging & settlement server 70, the usercomputer 91 supplies the payment information to the charging &settlement server 70 as the aforesaid reorder data. Then, the usercomputer 91 is supplied with the aforesaid payment completion controlsignal from the charging & settlement server 70, and is supplied withthe aforesaid reception completion control signal from the orderreceiving server 80.

[0112] This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information between abusiness operator through a network.

[0113] Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatuslike this performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 7, and receives an order of a print output of an image. Inaddition, in FIG. 7, white arrows indicate information delivered in aprocess for ordering a print output of an image by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 10, and black arrows indicate information to bedelivered in a process for a later reorder based on a captured imagedata obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printedmatter shipped in the process indicated by the white arrows is called as“initial printed matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicatedby the black arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the needarises.

[0114] In the print order receiving system, the whole processing iscommenced by the imaging of a user with the imaging apparatus 10 atfirst. Now, the user performs the imaging with the imaging apparatus 10by paying a rental fee, for example, in coins or the like. It issupposed that the rental fee usually includes the charge of initialprinted matter. In other words, the user performs the imaging by payingthe consideration of the initial printed matter. In the print orderreceiving system, the aforesaid order data OD generated by the imagingapparatus 10 are supplied to the output receiving server 20, and thecaptured image data PID obtained by the imaging with the imagingapparatus 10 are supplied to the image storing server 30. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the aforesaid receipt RC issued by theimaging apparatus 10 is directly delivered to the user or is deliveredto the user through the user terminal 90.

[0115] In the print order receiving system, when the order of the printoutput of the captured image data PID is received in such a way, theoutput receiving server 20 generates the aforesaid reorder receivinginquiry data RROID. The reorder receiving inquiry data RROID aresupplied to the order receiving server 80. In the print order receivingsystem, the image storing server 30 and the print out apparatus 40 isactuated in response to a print instruction from the output receivingserver 20 to generate the initial printed matter PRF. The initialprinted matter PRF is shipped to the user through the shipping terminal50.

[0116] In the print order receiving system, the delivery of informationis performed in such a way, and then the initial printed mater PRF of acaptured image data PID reaches the user.

[0117] Moreover, in the print order receiving system, the user can laterreorder the later printed matter of the image based on the capturedimage data PID, more specifically, the same printed matter as theinitial printed matter PRF or similar printed matter made by the changeof the foreground and/or the background other than the object of theinitial printed matter PRF.

[0118] In this case, in the print order receiving system, processing iscommenced by the accessing of a user to the order receiving server 80with the user terminal 90 at first. In the print order receiving system,a user transmits reorder data ROD to the order receiving server 80 withthe user terminal 90. In other words, in the print order receivingsystem, by the user's generation of the reorder data ROD on the basis ofthe aforesaid information entered in the receipt RC, the captured imagedata PID being a basis of the reordered image is specified. And then, itis certified that the user is an eligible person of the right ofaccessing the captured image data PID on the basis of the aforesaidreorder receiving inquiry data RROID, more specifically on the basis ofthe aforesaid various kinds of information that concern the receiving ofan order including the reorder and is generated on the basis of thereorder receiving inquiry data RROID.

[0119] In the print order receiving system, when the later printedmatter of the image data based on the captured image data PID is orderedin such a way, the image processing server 60 reads the captured imagedata PID, foreground image data and/or background image data, all beingdesignated by the image storing server 30, and the predetermined imageprocessing is performed to the read image data. The image data obtainedas a result of the processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 asa preview image, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal90. In the print order receiving system, when a user confirms a previewimage, the payment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD isdelivered between the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlementserver 70, and thereby the charging processing is performed. In theprint order receiving system, the order receiving server 80 generatesre-receiving data RROD corresponding to the charging processing. By thesupply of the re-receiving data RROD to the output receiving server 20,the order of the later printed matter is re-received. Then, in the printorder receiving system, the image storing server 30 and the print outapparatus 40 operate to generate the later printed matter PRL inresponse to a print instruction from the output receiving server 20. Thelater printed matter PRL is shipped to the user through the shippingterminal 50.

[0120] In the print order receiving system, the delivery of informationis performed in such a way, and then the later printed matter PRL of theimage data based on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

[0121] In more concrete terms, the print order receiving system receivesan order of a print output of a captured image data PID and receives areorder of a print output of image data based on the captured image dataPID by performing a series of processing as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10.In addition, in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, the contents of the processing ofeach apparatus in the print order receiving system are shown, and thetiming of the delivery of information between each apparatus is alsoshown. Moreover, in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, as mentioned above, white arrowsindicate information delivered in a process for ordering a print outputof an image by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 10, and black arrowsindicate information to be delivered in a process for a later reorderbased on a captured image data obtained by previous imaging. Moreover,the user terminal 90 in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 may designate an actual useroneself.

[0122] At first, the processes of ordering a print output of an image byimaging with the imaging apparatus 10 in the print order receivingsystem are performed through a series of processing as shown in FIG. 8.

[0123] In other words, in the print order receiving system, when a userpays a fee against the imaging apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 8, at stepS1, the imaging apparatus 10 performs the imaging of an object. At thisevent, in the print order receiving system, order data OD are generatedby the imaging apparatus 10 to be supplied to the output receivingserver 20. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, captured imagedata PID are supplied from the imaging apparatus 10 to the image storingserver 30. With this, in the print order receiving system, at step S2,the order data OD are stored by the output receiving server 20.Moreover, in the print order receiving system, at step S3, the imagestoring server 30 stores the captured image data PID.

[0124] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S4, theimaging apparatus 10 issues a receipt RC. The user or the user terminal90, at step S5, receives the receipt RC.

[0125] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S6, the outputreceiving server 20 generates reorder receiving inquiry data RROID tosupply the generated reorder receiving inquiry data RROID to the orderreceiving server 80. With this, in the print order receiving system, atstep S7, the order receiving server 80 stores the reorder receivinginquiry data RROID.

[0126] In succession, in the print order receiving system, at step S8,the output receiving server 20 generates a print instruction controlsignal C1 for instructing the print of an image to supply the printinstruction control signal C1 to the print out apparatus 40. Moreover,in the print order receiving system, image requirement control signalsC2 and C3 indicating the requirement of image data to be printed aresupplied from the output receiving server 20 and the print out apparatus40, respectively, to the image storing server 30. With this, in theprint order receiving system, the image data PRID to be printedcorresponding to the image requirement control signals C2 and C3 areread from the image storing server 30 to be supplied to the print outapparatus 40.

[0127] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S9, the printout apparatus 40 performs the printing processing of image data PRID,and at step S10, the post processing of the printing is performed as theneed arises. As the post processing of the printing, predeterminedheating processing to a hologram is considerable in a case in which theprinted matter is made by the use of, fore example, holographytechniques. Moreover, the post processing of the printing also includesthe processing such as the cutting of printed matter into apredetermined size and the affixing of printed matter on a predeterminedmount.

[0128] Then, in the print order receiving system, the print outapparatus 40 supplies a print ending control signal C4 indicating theending of the print of the image together with the generated initialprinted matter PRF to the shipping terminal 50. With this, in the printorder receiving system, at step S11, the shipping terminal 50 performspredetermined shipping processing to ship the initial printed matter PRFto a user. The user receives the shipped initial printed matter PRF atstep S12, and the series of processing is terminated.

[0129] As described above, in the print order receiving system, a usercan receive an initial printed matter PRF of captured image data PIDobtained by imaging with the imaging apparatus 10.

[0130] On the other hand, in the print order receiving system, theprocess for reordering later printed matter PRL later on the basis of acaptured image data PID is performed through a series of processing asshown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. The process is roughly divided into fourprocesses, i.e. a connection & user inquiry process, a reception andreceived content confirmation process, a payment confirmation and orderreceiving process, and a printing and shipping process.

[0131] At first, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG.9, the connection & user inquiry process is performed. In the printorder receiving system, at step S21, the user terminal 90 performsaccess processing to the order receiving server 80. The accessprocessing is for example the following processing. In other words, auser starts the so-called browse software for browsing the so-called Website, and inputs a uniform resource locator (URL) indicating the Website for performing a reorder with a not shown operating section to trythe establishment of communication between the user terminal 90 and theorder receiving server 80 through a predetermined provider. In the printorder receiving system, a connection requirement control signal C21 forrequiring connection is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the orderreceiving server 80 in response to the access processing. Thereby, inthe print order receiving system, when the connection is permitted, theaforesaid predetermined initial screen IV for reorder is downloaded fromthe order receiving server 80 to the user terminal 90 to be displayed onthe display of the user terminal 90 (not shown in the figures).

[0132] Next, in the print order receiving system, the user requests areorder by operating a selection button on an initial screen IV with anoperation section. In the print order receiving system, the userterminal 90 supplies a reorder request control signal C22 for therequest of a reorder to the order receiving server 80 in response to therequest. As a result, in the print order receiving system, the orderreceiving server 80 supplies a request control signal C23 for requestingthe upload of reorder data ROD of the user terminal 90. In the printorder receiving system, at step S22, the reorder data ROD is generatedby user's input of predetermined information with the operation sectionafter the user's confirmation of the contents of the receipt RC inresponse to the request. In the print order receiving system, thereorder data ROD is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the orderreceiving server 80.

[0133] Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S23, the orderreceiving server 80 inquires the user by inspecting the conformitybetween the reorder receiving inquiry data RROID and the reorder dataROD.

[0134] Next, in the print order receiving system, when the eligibilityof a user is certified and the user's reorder is permitted, thereception and received content confirmation process is performed. In theprint order receiving system, the aforesaid predetermined menu screen MVfor a reorder is downloaded from the order receiving server 80 to theuser terminal 90 to be displayed on the display of the user terminal 90.In the print order receiving system, a user issues a reorder byselecting desired image data to reorder in the menu displayed on themenu screen MV by operating a selection button for selecting the imagedata with the operating section. At that time, the user can selectdesired foreground image data and/or desired background image databesides captured image data PID. In the print order receiving system, inresponse to the user's selection operation, an image data selectioncontrol signal C24 indicating the selected image data is supplied fromthe user terminal 90 to the order receiving server 80. Thereby, in theprint order receiving system, at step S24, reception contents such asthe selected image data and an ordered quantity are confirmed by theorder receiving server 80.

[0135] In succession, in the print order receiving system, a previewdisplay instruction control signal C25 for making the display of theuser terminal 90 display a preview image on the basis of the selectedimage data is supplied from the order receiving server 80 to the imageprocessing server 60. Thereby, in the print order receiving system, atstep S25, the image processing server 60 performs the predeterminedpreparation processing for performing the display of a preview image tothe user terminal 90. Then, in the print order receiving system, animage requirement control signal C26 indicating the requirement for theimage data to be displayed as preview display is supplied from the imageprocessing server 60 to the image storing server 30.

[0136] Next, in the print order receiving system, image data PVID areread from the image storing server 30 in response to the imagerequirement control signal C26 to be supplied to the image processingserver 60. In addition, the image data PVID do not include only thecaptured image data PID but include also the foreground image dataand/or the background image data. In the print order receiving system,at step S26, the image processing server 60 performs the predeterminedimage processing of the image data PVID, i.e. the processing such assynthesizing the captured image data PID with the foreground image dataand/or the background image data, to supply the processed image dataPVID to the user terminal 90 as a preview image PVI. The preview imagePVI is displayed on the display in the user terminal 90.

[0137] Then, in the print order receiving system, when the user confirmsthe preview image PVI and performs a predetermined operation indicatingthe decision of the reorder of later printed matter PRL having the samecontents as the preview image PVI, the user terminal 90 supplies aconfirmation control signal C27 indicating the confirmation and theorder of the preview image PVI to the order receiving server 80. In theprint order receiving system, at step S27, the order receiving server 80confirms the final reception contents.

[0138] Next, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG. 10,the payment confirmation and order receiving process is performed. Inthe print order receiving system, the aforesaid predetermined paymentmethod screen CV is downloaded from the order receiving server 80 to theuser terminal 90 to be displayed on the display of the user terminal 90.In the print order receiving system, a user selects a desired paymentmethod in the menu displayed in the payment method screen CV andoperates the selection button for the selection of the payment methodwith the operation section, and thereby a payment method control signalC28 is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the order receiving server80. Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S28, the orderreceiving server 80 confirms the payment method, and a charginginstruction control signal C29 instructing charging is supplied to thecharging & settlement server 70.

[0139] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S29, thecharging & settlement server 70 performs predetermined preparationprocessing for executing charging processing, and the charging &settlement server 70 supplies a payment information requirement signalC30 for requiring the aforesaid payment information to the user terminal90. As a result, in the print order receiving system, by the user'sinput of the predetermined payment information with the operationsection of the user terminal 90, the payment information is generated asthe aforesaid reorder data ROD by the user terminal 90 to be supplied tothe charging & settlement server 70. In the print order receivingsystem, when the reorder data ROD are supplied from the user terminal 90to the charging & settlement server 70, at step S30, the charging &settlement server 70 executes the charging processing.

[0140] Then, in the print order receiving system, a payment completioncontrol signal C31 indicating the completion of the payment is suppliedfrom the charging & settlement server 70 to the user terminal 90, and acharging completion control signal C32 indicating the completion of thecharging processing is supplied from the charging & settlement server 70to the order receiving server 80. In the print order receiving system,at step S31, the order receiving server 80 performs the processing forcompleting the reorder receiving to supply a reception completioncontrol signal C33 indicating the completion of the reception to theuser terminal 90, and further the aforesaid re-receiving data RROD aresupplied from the order receiving server 80 to the output receivingserver 20.

[0141] In sequence, in the print order receiving system, the printingand shipping process is performed. The printing and shipping process issimilar to the aforesaid process from step S8 to S12. In other words, inthe print order receiving system, at step S32, the output receivingserver 20 generates a printing instruction control signal C34 forinstructing the printing of an image to be supplied to the print outapparatus 40. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, imagerequirement control signals C35 and C36 indicating the requirement ofthe image data to be printed are supplied from the output receivingserver 20 and the print out apparatus 40 to the image storing server 30.As a result, in the print order receiving system, image data PRID to beprinted are read from the image storing server 30 in response to theimage requirement control signals C35 and C36 to be supplied to theprint out apparatus 40.

[0142] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S33, the printout apparatus 40 performs the printing processing of the image dataPRID, and further, at step S34, the print out apparatus 40 performs thepost processing of the printing similar to the aforesaid processing atstep S10 as the need arises.

[0143] Then, in the print order receiving system, the print outapparatus 40 supplies a print ending control signal C37 indicating theending of the printing of an image together with the generated laterprinted matter PRL to the shipping terminal 50. As a result, in theprint order receiving system, at step S35, the shipping terminal 50performs predetermined shipping processing, and the later printed matterPRL is shipped to the user. The user, at step S36, receives the shippedlater printed matter PRL, and the series of processing is terminated.

[0144] As described above, in the print order receiving system, a usercan reorder and receive a later printed matter PRL of image data basedon captured image data PID obtained by the imaging with the imagingapparatus 10.

[0145] As described above, the print order receiving system shown as afirst embodiment of the present invention intensively stores variouskinds of information concerning ordering together with captured imagedata PID obtained by previous imaging, and supplies the storedinformation together with the captured image data PID through a network.Thereby, a user can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the imagedata based on the captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging.Moreover, the print order receiving system enables an business operatorto establish the imaging apparatus 10 at a plurality of places and toestablish various kinds of apparatus other than the imaging apparatus 10intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the print out apparatus 40 and to collect theexpense of equipment in a short period.

[0146] Next, a description is given to a second embodiment of thepresent invention. The print order receiving system has a configurationbasically similar to that of the print order receiving system shown asthe first embodiment. The print order receiving system of the secondembodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in receiving notonly a reorder from a user terminal but also an order from imagingapparatus with its order receiving server. Accordingly, hereupon, eachapparatus is designated by the same reference mark as that of theembodiment 1, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0147] The print order receiving system is, as shown in FIG. 11,equipped with imaging apparatus 10, an output receiving server 20, animage storing server 30, a print out apparatus 40, a shipping terminal50, an image processing server 60, a charging & settlement server 70, anorder receiving server 80 and user terminals 90.

[0148] In the print order receiving system, a network connecting theuser terminals 90 with the imaging apparatus 10, the image processingserver 60, the charging & settlement server 70 and the order receivingserver 80 is one such as the Internet. A network connecting the outputreceiving server 20, the image storing server 30, the print outapparatus 40, the shipping terminal 50, the image processing server 60and the order receiving server 80 is one such as intranet. Then, in theprint order receiving system, a plurality of imaging apparatus 10 areconnected with the network and disposed at a plurality of locations. Aplurality of user terminals 90 is connected with the network connectingthe imaging apparatus 10, the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80.

[0149] Each of the imaging apparatus 10, as mentioned above, includes animaging section 11, an image computer 12, an imaging database 13 and areceipt-issuing 14.

[0150] As mentioned above, the imaging section 11 images an object and abackground and the like as the need arises under the control of theimaging computer 12.

[0151] The image computer 12 performs the control of the imaging section11 at the event of imaging, and supplies captured image data obtained bythe imaging of the imaging section 11 not to the image storing server 30but to the order receiving server 80. Moreover, the image computer 12supplies the generated various kinds of information concerning imagingto the imaging database 13, and supplies the information not to theoutput receiving server 20 but to the order receiving server 80 as orderdata. Moreover, the image computer 12, as described above, controls thereceipt-issuing 14 to make it issue a receipt.

[0152] The imaging database 13, as mentioned above, stores various kindsof information concerning imaging, the information being generated bythe image computer 12, as a database. The various kinds of informationconcerning the imaging to be stored in the imaging database 13 are thesame ones as shown in FIG. 2 previously.

[0153] The receipt-issuing 14, as described above, issues at least theaforesaid “Image number (Order Number)” and “Password” as a receiptunder the control of the image computer 12. It is needless to say that,in the print order receiving system, as described above, a receiptissued by the receipt-issuing 14 may be delivered to a user on the spotas printed matter, or the receipt may be delivered to the user by thetransmission of the receipt to the user terminal 90 as mail through apredetermined provider.

[0154] Each of such imaging apparatus 10 images at least an object uponuser's payment of a rental fee in, for example, coins, and the imagingapparatus 10 generates the information concerning the imaging togetherwith captured image data.

[0155] The output receiving server 20, as described above, includes areceiving computer 21 and a receiving database 22.

[0156] The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds ofinformation concerning order receiving on the basis of the order datasupplied from not the imaging apparatus 10 but the order receivingserver 80, and the receiving computer 20 supplies the generatedinformation to the receiving database 22. Now, the receiving computer 21does not generate the aforesaid reorder receiving inquiry data.Moreover, the receiving computer 21, as described above, generates aprint instruction control signal for instructing the printing of animage. The receiving computer 21 supplies the generated printinstruction control signal to the print out apparatus 40, and furtherthe receiving computer 21 supplies an image requirement control signalindicating the requirement of image data to be printed to the imagestoring server 30. Furthermore, at the event of the re-receiving of anorder, the receiving computer 21 receives re-receiving data from theorder receiving server 80 to generate the various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving on the basis of the re-receiving data. Thenthe receiving computer 21 supplies the generated information to thereceiving database 22.

[0157] The receiving database 22, as described above, stores the variouskinds of information that concern order receiving and were generated bythe receiving computer 21 as a database. The various kinds ofinformation that concern order receiving and are to be stored in thereceiving database 22 are the same ones shown in FIG. 3 previously.However, the various kinds of information concerning order receivingwere generated by the receiving computer 21 on the basis of the orderdata and the re-receiving data, both being supplied from the orderreceiving server 80.

[0158] This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processingconcerning the order receiving of a print out of an image, and generatesthe information concerning each order receiving.

[0159] The image storing server 30, as described above, includes animage computer 31 and an image database 32.

[0160] The image computer 31 receives the captured image data stored inthe order receiving server 80 temporarily and makes the image database32 store the received captured image data. Moreover, the image computer31, as described above, makes the image database 32 store various kindsof image data besides the captured image data. Moreover, the imagecomputer 31 generates various kinds of information concerning image datacorresponding to the stored image data. The image computer 31 suppliesthe generated information to the image database 32 for making the imagedatabase 32 store the supplied information. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 31, as described above, reads the image data from the imagedatabase 32 which image data were required corresponding to an imagerequirement control signal supplied from the output receiving server 20and the print out apparatus 40. The image computer 31 supplies the readimage data to the print out apparatus 40. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 31, as described above, reads the image data from the imagedatabase 32 from which image data are required corresponding to theimage requirement control signal supplied from the image processingserver 60. The image computer 31 supplies the read image data to theimage processing server 60.

[0161] The image database 32, as described above, stores various kindsof image data under the control of the image computer 31, and storesvarious kinds of information that concern image data and are generatedby the image computer 31 as a database. The various kinds of informationthat concern the image data and are stored in the image database 32 arethe same ones as shown in FIG. 4 previously.

[0162] This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data,and generates the information concerning image data.

[0163] The print out apparatus 40, as described above, includes anoutput computer 41 and a printer 42.

[0164] As described above, when a printing instruction control signalinstructing the printing of an image is supplied to the output computer41 from the output receiving server 20, the output computer 41 suppliesan image requirement control signal indicating the requirement of theimage data to be printed to the image storing server 30, and the outputcomputer 41 makes the printer 42 print the image data read in responseto the image requirement control signal. When the printing ends, theoutput computer 41 supplies a print ending control signal indicating theending of the printing of the image together with the generated printedmatter to the shipping terminal 50.

[0165] The printer 42, as described above, prints an image under thecontrol of the output computer 41 to discharge it as printed matter tothe outside. The printed matter is supplied to the shipping terminal 50by the output computer 41.

[0166] This print out apparatus 40 prints the designated image, andgenerates printed matter as a final shipping object.

[0167] The shipping terminal 50, as described above, includes a shippingcomputer 51.

[0168] As described above, when a print ending control signal indicatingthe end of the printing of the image is supplied to the shippingcomputer 51 from the print out apparatus 40, the shipping computer 51performs various kinds of processing for the preparation for shipment.When the preparation for the shipping by the shipping computer 51 iscompleted, the printed matter is shipped. The shipping computer 51generates shipping information indicating the shipping of the printedmatter, and records the information in, for example, a hard disk driveor the like, or displays the information on a display.

[0169] This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processingsuch as the generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

[0170] The image processing server 60, as described above, includes aprocessing computer 61.

[0171] As described above, when a preview display instruction controlsignal for instructing the not shown display of the user terminal 90 todisplay an image is supplied to the processing computer 61 from theorder receiving server 80, the processing computer 61 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be displayed to the image storing server 30. Then, the processingcomputer 61, as described above, processes the image data that were readin response to the image requirement control signal as the need arises,and the processing computer 61 supplies the read image data to the userterminal 90 as a preview image to make the displaying of the previewimage.

[0172] This image processing server 60 processes image data to generatea preview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

[0173] The charging & settlement server 70, as described above, includesa charging computer 71 and a charging database 72.

[0174] As described above, when a charging instruction control signalfor instructing charging is supplied to the charging computer 71 fromthe order receiving server 80, the charging computer 71 requires paymentinformation, which is the information concerning a payment methodnecessary for the payment of charge, of the user terminal 90. Then, whenthe charging computer 71, as described above, receives the paymentinformation from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the chargingcomputer 71 executes its charging processing. And then, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a payment completion control signal indicating thecompletion of payment to the user terminal 90. Moreover, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a charging completion control signal indicating thecompletion of the charging processing to the order receiving server 80.The charging computer 71 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the charging and the settlement at the event of theprocessing to make the charging database 72 store the information.

[0175] The charging database 72, as described above, stores variouskinds of information that concern charging and settlement and aregenerated by the charging computer 71 as a database. The various kindsof information to be stored in the charging database 71 are the same asones shown in FIG. 5 previously.

[0176] This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

[0177] The order receiving server 80, as described above, includes anorder computer 81 and an order database 82.

[0178] When order data generated by the imaging apparatus 10 aresupplied to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 makes the orderdatabase 82 store the order data and generates various kinds ofinformation concerning the receiving of an order on the basis of theorder data. Then, the order computer 81 supplies the information to theorder database 82. Moreover, when the captured image data are suppliedfrom the imaging apparatus 10 to the order computer 81, the ordercomputer 81 supplies the captured image data to the order database 82 tomake the order database 82 store the captured image data temporarily.And then, the order computer 81 supplies the stored captured image datato the image storing server 30. Furthermore, the order computer 81supplies order receiving data indicating the contents of the order tothe output receiving server 20 on the basis of the order data.

[0179] Then, when a connection requirement is issued from the userterminal 90 to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 performs thesame processing as one described above. In other words, the ordercomputer 81 makes a not shown display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined initial screen for reordering. When various kinds ofinformation indicating reordered contents are supplied to the ordercomputer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry by inspecting the conformity betweenthe order data and the reorder data when a requirement of a reorder istransmitted from the user terminal 90. When the user is an eligibleperson as a result of the inquiring, the order computer 81 makes thedisplaying of a predetermined menu screen for reordering on the displayscreen of the user terminal 90. According to a selection operation ofthe user terminal 90 with the menu screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid preview display instruction control signal formaking the display of the user terminal 90 display a preview image tothe image processing server 60. Then, when a confirmation control signalindicating an order after the confirmation of the preview image issupplied to the order computer 81 from the user terminal 90, the ordercomputer 81 makes the display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined payment method screen concerning the payment of a charge.In response to a selection operation of the user terminal 90 with thepayment method screen, the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidcharging instruction control signal instructing charging to the charging& settlement server 70. Moreover, when the aforesaid charging completioncontrol signal indicating the completion of charging processing issupplied to the order computer 81 from the charging & settlement server70, the order computer 81 supplies a reception completion control signalindicating the completion of the reception of the reorder to the userterminal 90, and further the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidre-receiving data indicating the contents of the reorder to the outputreceiving server 20. The order computer 81 generates the informationconcerning the reorder as the aforesaid various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of the order, and the information is suppliedto the order database 82.

[0180] The order database 82, as described above, temporarily stores thecaptured image data and stores various kinds of information that weregenerated by the order computer 81 and concern the reception of an orderas a database under the control of the order computer 81.

[0181] The various kinds of information concerning the reception of anorder to be stored in the order database 82 are composed of, forexample, as shown in FIG. 12, the elements similar to those shown inFIG. 6 previously. However, the system of the present embodiment alsoreceives an order from the imaging apparatus 10, the ordered prices ofcaptured image data themselves, the captured image data being obtainedby the imaging of the imaging apparatus 10, are further added.

[0182] This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reordersof images and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

[0183] The user terminal 90, as described above, includes a usercomputer 91.

[0184] The user computer 91 performs the procedures such as the displayof a preview image or payment by performing the processing similar tothe aforesaid one through a predetermined provider at the event ofperforming a reorder of an image.

[0185] This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information to a businessoperator through a network.

[0186] Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatuslike this performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 13, and receives an order of a print output of an image.In addition, in FIG. 13, white arrows indicate information delivered ina process for ordering a print output of an image by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 10, and black arrows indicate information to bedelivered in a process for a later reorder based on a captured imagedata obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printedmatter shipped in the process indicated by the white arrows is called as“initial printed matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicatedby the black arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the needarises.

[0187] In the print order receiving system, when a user first performsthe imaging with the imaging apparatus 10 by paying a rental fee, forexample, in coins or the like, the aforesaid order data OD generated bythe imaging apparatus 10 and the captured image data PID obtained by theimaging with the imaging apparatus 10 are together supplied to the orderreceiving server 80. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, theaforesaid receipt RC issued by the imaging apparatus 10 is directlydelivered to the user or is delivered to the user through the userterminal 90.

[0188] In the print order receiving system, when the order of the printoutput of the captured image data PID is received in such a way, thecaptured image data PID stored in the order receiving server 80temporarily are supplied to the image storing server 30. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the order receiving server 80generates the aforesaid ordered data RODD, and the ordered data Rodd aresupplied to the output receiving server 20. Then, in the print orderreceiving system, the image storing server 30 and the print outapparatus 40 is actuated in response to a print instruction from theoutput receiving server 20 to generate the initial printed matter PRF.The initial printed matter PRF is shipped to the user through theshipping terminal 50.

[0189] In the print order receiving system, the delivery of informationis performed in such a way, and then the initial printed mater PRF ofthe captured image data PID reaches the user.

[0190] Moreover, in the print order receiving system, when a reorder oflater printed matter of image data based on the captured image data PIDis performed, a user accesses the order receiving server 80 with theuser terminal 90 at first. Then, the user transmits reorder data ROD tothe order receiving server 80 with the user terminal 90.

[0191] In the print order receiving system, when the later printedmatter of the image data based on the captured image data PID is orderedin such a way, the image processing server 60 reads the captured imagedata PID, foreground image data and/or background image data, all beingdesignated by the image storing server 30, and predetermined imageprocessing is performed to the read image data. The image data obtainedas a result of the processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 asa preview image, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal90. In the print order receiving system, when a user confirms a previewimage, the payment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD isdelivered between the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlementserver 70, and thereby the charging processing is performed. In theprint order receiving system, the order receiving server 80 generatesthe aforesaid re-receiving data RROD corresponding to the chargingprocessing. By the supply of the re-receiving data RROD to the outputreceiving server 20, the order of the later printed matter isre-received. Then, in the print order receiving system, the imagestoring server 30 and the print out apparatus 40 operate to generate thelater printed matter PRL in response to a print instruction from theoutput receiving server 20. The later printed matter PRL is shipped tothe user through the shipping terminal 50.

[0192] In the print order receiving system, the delivery of informationis performed in such a way, and then the later printed matter PRL of theimage data based on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

[0193] In more concrete terms, the print order receiving system receivesan order of a print output of a captured image data PID by performing aseries of processing as shown in FIG. 14, and the system receives areorder of a print output of image data based on the captured image dataPID by performing the processing similar to that shown in FIG. 9 andFIG. 10 previously. In addition, in FIG. 14, too, the contents of theprocessing of each apparatus in the print order receiving system areshown, and the timing of the delivery of information between eachapparatus is also shown. Moreover, the user terminal 90 in FIG. 14 maydesignate an actual user oneself.

[0194] In other words, as the process of ordering a print output of animage by imaging with the imaging apparatus 10 in the print orderreceiving system, for example, when a user pays a fee against theimaging apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 14, at step S41, the imagingapparatus 10 performs the imaging of an object. At this stage, in theprint order receiving system, order data OD are generated by the imagingapparatus 10 to be supplied to the order receiving server 80. Moreover,in the print order receiving system, captured image data PID aresupplied from the imaging apparatus 10 to the order receiving server 80.With this, in the print order receiving system, at step S42, the orderdata OD are stored by the order receiving server 80. Moreover, at stepS43, the order receiving server 80 stores the captured image data PIDtemporarily.

[0195] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S44, theimaging apparatus 10 issues a receipt RC. The user or the user terminal90, at step S45, receives the receipt RC.

[0196] Next, in the print order receiving system, the order receivingserver 80 supplies the captured image data PID to the image storingserver 30. As a result, in the print order receiving system, at stepS46, the image storing server 30 stores the captured image data PID.Moreover, in the print order receiving system, the order receivingserver 80 supplies the ordered data RODD to the output receiving server20. With this, in the print order receiving system, at step S47, theoutput receiving server 20 stores the ordered data ROID.

[0197] In succession, in the print order receiving system, at step S48,the output receiving server 20 generates a print instruction controlsignal C41 for instructing the print of an image to supply the printinstruction control signal C41 to the print out apparatus 40. Moreover,in the print order receiving system, image requirement control signalsC42 and C43 indicating the requirement of image data to be printed aresupplied from the output receiving server 20 and the print out apparatus40, respectively, to the image storing server 30. With this, in theprint order receiving system, the image data PRID to be printedcorresponding to the image requirement control signals C2 and C3 areread from the image storing server 30 to be supplied to the print outapparatus 40.

[0198] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S49, the printout apparatus 40 performs the printing processing of image data PRID,and at step S50, the post processing of the printing similar to theprocessing at the aforesaid step S10 is performed as the need arises.

[0199] Then, in the print order receiving system, the print outapparatus 40 supplies a print ending control signal C44 indicating theending of the printing of the image together with the generated initialprinted matter PRF to the shipping terminal 50. With this, in the printorder receiving system, at step S51, the shipping terminal 50 performspredetermined shipping processing to ship the initial printed matter PRFto a user. The user receives the shipped initial printed matter PRF atstep S52, and the series of processing is terminated.

[0200] As described above, in the print order receiving system, a usercan receive an initial printed matter PRF of captured image data PIDobtained by imaging with the imaging apparatus 10. In addition, in theprint order receiving system, the process for reordering later printedmatter PRL later on the basis of a captured image data PID is performedthrough a series of processing as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10previously.

[0201] As described above, the print order receiving system shown as thesecond embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the print orderreceiving system shown as the first embodiment, intensively storesvarious kinds of information concerning ordering together with capturedimage data PID obtained by previous imaging, and supplies the storedinformation together with the captured image data PID through a network.Thereby, a user can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the imagedata based on the captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging.Moreover, the print order receiving system enables an business operatorto establish the imaging apparatus 10 at a plurality of places and toestablish various kinds of apparatus other than the imaging apparatus 10intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the print out apparatus 40 and to collect theexpense of equipment in short period. In particular, the print orderreceiving system intensively receives a first order and a reorder withthe order receiving server 80, and thereby the system can deal with boththe first order and the reorder by generating similar databases.Consequently, the simplification of processing can be attained.

[0202] Next, a description is given to a third embodiment of the presentinvention. The print order receiving system has a configurationbasically similar to that of the print order receiving system shown asthe first embodiment. The print order receiving system of the thirdembodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in deliveringprinted matter of captured image data obtained by imaging with imagingapparatus to a user on the spot. Accordingly, hereupon, each apparatusis designated by the same reference mark as that of the firstembodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0203] The print order receiving system is, as shown in FIG. 15,equipped with imaging apparatus 100 for imaging at least an objectseverally, first print out apparatus 110 and a second print outapparatus 120, both printing an image to output printed matter, besidesan output receiving server 20, an image storing server 30, a shippingterminal 50, an image processing server 60, a charging & settlementserver 70, an order receiving server 80 and user terminals 90.

[0204] In the print order receiving system, a network connecting theuser terminals 90 with the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80 is one such asthe Internet. A network connecting the imaging apparatus 100, the outputreceiving server 20, the image storing server 30, the shipping terminal50, the image processing server 60, the order receiving server 80, thefirst print out apparatus 110 and the second print out apparatus 120 isone such as intranet. Then, in the print order receiving system, aplurality of imaging apparatus 100 and a plurality of first print outapparatus 110 are connected with the network and disposed at a pluralityof locations. A plurality of user terminals 90 is connected with thenetwork connecting the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80.

[0205] Each of the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging section101, an image computer 102, an imaging database 103 and an ordermemorandum issuing 104 for issuing an order memorandum as a record ofthe order of a print output of an image.

[0206] Similarly to the aforesaid imaging section 11, the imagingsection 101 images an object and a background and the like as the needarises under the control of the imaging computer 102. Hereupon, capturedimage data obtained by the imaging of the imaging section 101 aresupplied to the image computer 102.

[0207] The image computer 102, similarly to the aforesaid image computer12, performs the control of the imaging section 101 at the event ofimaging, and supplies captured image data obtained by the imaging of theimaging section 101 to the image storing server 30. Moreover, the imagecomputer 102 supplies the generated various kinds of informationconcerning imaging to the imaging database 103, and supplies theinformation to the output receiving server 20 as order data. Moreover,the image computer 102 generates a print instruction control signal forinstructing the printing of an image to supply the generated printinstruction control signal to the first print out apparatus 110. Theimage computer 102 also supplies the captured image data obtained by theimaging of the imaging section 101 to the first print out apparatus 110.Furthermore, the image computer 102 controls the order memorandumissuing 104 to make it issue an order memorandum.

[0208] The imaging database 103, similarly to the aforesaid imagingdatabase 13, stores various kinds of information concerning imaging, theinformation being generated by the image computer 102, as a database.The various kinds of information concerning the imaging to be stored inthe imaging database 103 are the same as ones shown in FIG. 2previously.

[0209] The order memorandum issuing 104 issues at least the aforesaid“Image number (Order Number)” and “Password” as an order memorandumunder the control of the image computer 102. In other words, the ordermemorandum has the contents similar to those of the aforesaid receipt.The order memorandum records the information for certifying the contentsof an order. A user reorders printed matter on the basis of theinformation recorded in the order memorandum. In addition, in the printorder receiving system, similarly to the aforesaid receipt, an ordermemorandum printed and issued by the order memorandum issuing 104 may bedelivered to a user on the spot, or the order memorandum may bedelivered to the user by the transmission of the order memorandum to theuser terminal 90 through a network by the use of the so-called mailfunction. In the latter case, by the user's input of the address of auser terminal 90 intended as an addressee of the order memorandum with anot shown operating section, the order memorandum issued by the ordermemorandum issuing 104 is transmitted to the user terminal 90 designatedby the address through a predetermined provider under the control of theimage computer 102.

[0210] Each of such imaging apparatus 100 images at least an object bythe user's payment of a rental fee in, for example, coins, and theimaging apparatus 100 generates the information concerning the imagingtogether with captured image data. The imaging apparatus 100 controlsthe first print out apparatus 110 to make the first print out apparatus110 output printed matter.

[0211] The output receiving server 20, as described above, includes areceiving computer 21 and a receiving database 22.

[0212] The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds ofinformation concerning order receiving on the basis of the order datasupplied from the imaging apparatus 100, and the receiving computer 21supplies the generated information to the receiving database 22. Now,the receiving computer 21, as described above, generates the informationto be necessary for the receiving of a reorder of the print output of animage on the basis of order data for the preparation for a user's laterreorder of the printed matter of the image corresponding to the orderdata. Then, the receiving computer 21 supplies the information to theorder receiving server 80 as reorder receiving inquiry data. Moreover,the receiving computer 21, as described above, generates a printinstruction control signal for instructing the printing of an image. Thereceiving computer 21 supplies the generated print instruction controlsignal to the second print out apparatus 120, and further the receivingcomputer 21 supplies an image requirement control signal indicating therequirement of image data to be printed to the image storing server 30.Furthermore, at the event of the reorder receiving, the receivingcomputer 21 receives re-receiving data from the order receiving server80 to generate the various kinds of information concerning orderreceiving on the basis of the re-receiving data. Then the receivingcomputer 21 supplies the generated information to the receiving database22.

[0213] The receiving database 22, as described above, stores the variouskinds of information that concern order receiving and were generated bythe receiving computer 21 as a database. The various kinds ofinformation that concern order receiving and are to be stored in thereceiving database 22 are the same ones as shown in FIG. 3 previously.However, the various kinds of information concerning order receivingwere generated by the receiving computer 21 on the basis of the orderdata supplied from the imaging apparatus 100 and the re-receiving datasupplied from the order receiving server 80.

[0214] This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processingconcerning the order receiving of a print out of an image, and generatesthe information concerning each order receiving.

[0215] The image storing server 30, as described above, includes animage computer 31 and an image database 32.

[0216] The image computer 31 receives the captured image data obtainedby the imaging of the imaging apparatus 100, and the image computer 31makes the image database 32 store the received captured image data.Moreover, the image computer 31, as described above, makes the imagedatabase 32 store various kinds of image data besides the captured imagedata. Moreover, the image computer 31 generates various kinds ofinformation concerning the stored image data corresponding to the imagedata. The image computer 31 supplies the generated information to theimage database 32 for making the image database 32 store the suppliedinformation. Furthermore, the image computer 31, as described above,reads the image data from the image database 32 from which image dataare required corresponding to an image requirement control signalsupplied from the image processing server 60. The image computer 31supplies the read image data to the image processing server 60.Furthermore, the image computer 31, as described above, reads the imagedata from the image database 32 which image data were requiredcorresponding to the image requirement control signal supplied from theoutput receiving server 20 and the second print out apparatus 120. Theimage computer 31 supplies the read image data to the second print outapparatus 120.

[0217] The image database 32, as described above, stores various kindsof image data under the control of the image computer 31, and storesvarious kinds of information that concern image data and are generatedby the image computer 31 as a database. The various kinds of informationthat concern the image data and are stored in the image database 32 arethe same ones as shown in FIG. 4 previously.

[0218] This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data,and generates the information concerning image data.

[0219] The first print out apparatus 110, similarly to the print outapparatus 40, includes an output computer 111 and a print output 112.

[0220] When a printing instruction control signal instructing theprinting of an image is supplied to the output computer 111 from theimaging apparatus 100, the output computer 111 makes the print output112 print the image data generated by the predetermined image processingsuch as the synthesis of the captured image data supplied from theimaging apparatus 100 and the desired image data supplied from the imagestoring server 30.

[0221] The print output 112 prints an image under the control of theoutput computer 111 to discharge it as printed matter to the outside.The printed matter is delivered to a user as it is.

[0222] This first print out apparatus 110 prints the designated image,and generates printed matter to deliver it to a user.

[0223] The second print out apparatus 120, similarly to the print outapparatus 40, includes an output computer 121 and a print output 122.

[0224] When a printing instruction control signal instructing theprinting of an image is supplied to the output computer 121 from theoutput receiving server 20, the output computer 121 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be printed to the image storing server 30. Then, the output computer121 makes the print output 122 print the image data read correspondingto the image requirement control signal. And then, when the printingends, the output computer 121 supplies a print ending control signalindicating the end of the printing of an image to the shipping terminal50 together with generated printed matter.

[0225] The print output 122, as described above, prints an image underthe control of the output computer 121 to discharge it as printed matterto the outside. The printed matter is supplied to the shipping terminal50 by the output computer 121.

[0226] This second print out apparatus 120 prints the designated image,and generates printed matter as final shipping goods.

[0227] The shipping terminal 50, as described above, includes a shippingcomputer 51.

[0228] When a print ending control signal indicating the end of theprinting of an image is supplied to the shipping computer 51 from thesecond print out apparatus 120, the shipping computer 51 performsvarious kinds of processing for the preparation for shipment. When thepreparation for the shipping by the shipping computer 51 is completed,the printed matter is shipped. The shipping computer 51 generatesshipping information indicating the shipping of the printed matter, andrecords the information in, for example, a hard disk drive or the like,or displays the information on a display.

[0229] This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processingsuch as the generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

[0230] The image processing server 60, as described above, includes aprocessing computer 61.

[0231] As described above, when a preview display instruction controlsignal for instructing the not shown display of the user terminal 90 todisplay an image is supplied to the processing computer 61 from theorder receiving server 80, the processing computer 61 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be displayed to the image storing server 30. Then, the processingcomputer 61, as described above, processes the image data that were readin response to the image requirement control signal as the need arises,and the processing computer 61 supplies the read image data to the userterminal 90 as a preview image to make the displaying of the previewimage.

[0232] This image processing server 60 processes image data to generatea preview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

[0233] The charging & settlement server 70, as described above, includesa charging computer 71 and a charging database 72.

[0234] As described above, when a charging instruction control signalfor instructing charging is supplied to the charging computer 71 fromthe order receiving server 80, the charging computer 71 requires paymentinformation, which is the information concerning a payment methodnecessary for the payment of charge, of the user terminal 90. Then, whenthe charging computer 71, as described above, receives the paymentinformation from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the chargingcomputer 71 executes its charging processing. And then, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a payment completion control signal indicating thecompletion of payment to the user terminal 90. Moreover, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a charging completion control signal indicating thecompletion of the charging processing to the order receiving server 80.The charging computer 71 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the charging and the settlement at the event of theprocessing to make the charging database 72 store the information.

[0235] The charging database 72, as described above, stores the variouskinds of information that concern charging and settlement and aregenerated by the charging computer 71 as a database. The various kindsof information to be stored in the charging database 71 are the same asones shown in FIG. 5 previously.

[0236] This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

[0237] The order receiving server 80, as described above, includes anorder computer 81 and an order database 82.

[0238] As described above, when reorder receiving inquiry data, whichwere generated by the output receiving server 20 for the preparation fora case in which a user would later reorder the printed matter of animage corresponding to order data, are supplied to the order computer81, the order computer 81 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the receiving of an order including a reorder, and the ordercomputer 81 supplies the generated information to the order database 82.

[0239] Then, when a connection requirement is issued from the userterminal 90 to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 performs thesame processing as one described above. In other words, the ordercomputer 81 makes a not shown display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined initial screen for reordering. When various kinds ofinformation indicating reordered contents are supplied to the ordercomputer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry by the use of order data when arequirement of a reorder is transmitted from the user terminal 90. Whenthe user is an eligible person as a result of the inquiring, the ordercomputer 81 makes the displaying of a predetermined menu screen forreordering on the display screen of the user terminal 90. According to aselection operation of the user terminal 90 with the menu screen, theorder computer 81 supplies the aforesaid preview display instructioncontrol signal for making the display of the user terminal 90 display apreview image to the image processing server 60. Then, when aconfirmation control signal indicating an order after the confirmationof the preview image is supplied to the order computer 81 from the userterminal 90, the order computer 81 makes the display of the userterminal 90 display a predetermined payment method screen concerning thepayment of a charge. In response to a selection operation of the userterminal 90 with the payment method screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid charging instruction control signal instructingcharging to the charging & settlement server 70. Moreover, when theaforesaid charging completion control signal indicating the completionof charging processing is supplied to the order computer 81 from thecharging & settlement server 70, the order computer 81 supplies areception completion control signal indicating the completion of thereception of the reorder to the user terminal 90, and further the ordercomputer 81 supplies the aforesaid re-receiving data indicating thecontents of the reorder to the output receiving server 20. The ordercomputer 81 generates the information concerning the reorder as theaforesaid various kinds of information concerning the reception of theorder, and the information is supplied to the order database 82.

[0240] The order database 82, as described above, temporarily stores thecaptured image data and stores various kinds of information that weregenerated by the order computer 81 and concern the reception of an orderas a database under the control of the order computer 81. The variouskinds of information that are to be stored in the order database 82 andconcern the reception of an order are the same as those shown in FIG. 6previously.

[0241] This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reordersof images and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

[0242] The user terminal 90, as described above, includes a usercomputer 91.

[0243] The user computer 91 performs the procedures such as the displayof a preview image or payment by performing the processing similar tothe aforesaid one through a predetermined provider at the event ofperforming a reorder of an image.

[0244] This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information between anbusiness operator through a network.

[0245] Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatuslike this performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 16, and receives an order of a print output of an image.In addition, in FIG. 16, white arrows indicate information delivered ina process for ordering a print output of an image by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 100, and black arrows indicate information to bedelivered in a process for a later reorder based on a captured imagedata obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printedmatter shipped in the process indicated by the white arrows is called as“initial printed matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicatedby the black arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the needarises.

[0246] In the print order receiving system, when a user first performsthe imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 by paying a rental fee, forexample, in coins or the like, the aforesaid order data OD generated bythe imaging apparatus 100 are supplied to the output receiving server20. Moreover, the captured image data PID obtained by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 100 are supplied to the image storing server 30 andthe first print out apparatus 110. Then, in the print order receivingsystem, when the order of the print output of the captured image dataPID is received in such a way, the first print out apparatus 110 isoperated in response to a printing instruction from the imagingapparatus 100. The initial printed matter PRF generated by the firstprint out apparatus 110 is delivered to a user on the spot. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the aforesaid order memorandum OMR isdirectly delivered to a user, or the order memorandum OMR is deliveredto the user through the user terminal 90. Moreover, in the print orderreceiving system, the output receiving server generates the aforesaidreorder receiving inquiry data RROID to supply the reorder receivinginquiry data RROID to the order receiving server 80.

[0247] In the print order receiving system, the delivery of informationis performed in such a way, and then the initial printed mater PRF ofthe captured imaged data PID reaches the user.

[0248] Moreover, in the print order receiving system, when a reorder oflater printed matter of image data based on the captured image data PIDis performed, a user accesses the order receiving server 80 with theuser terminal 90 at first. Then, the user transmits reorder data ROD tothe order receiving server 80 with the user terminal 90. In other words,in the print order receiving system, by the user's generation of thereorder data ROD on the basis of the information recorded in theaforesaid order memorandum OMR, the captured image data PID to be abasis of the image to be reordered are specified, and that the user isan eligible person of a right of accessing the captured image data PIDis certified on the basis of the aforesaid reorder receiving inquirydata RROID, more specifically, the aforesaid various kinds ofinformation concerning the reception of an order including a reorderwhich information was generated on the basis of the reorder receivinginquiry data RROID.

[0249] In the print order receiving system, when the later printedmatter of the image data based on the captured image data PID is orderedin such a way, the image processing server 60 reads the captured imagedata PID, foreground image data and/or background image data, all beingdesignated by the image storing server 30, and predetermined imageprocessing is performed to the read image data. The image data obtainedas a result of the processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 asa preview image, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal90. In the print order receiving system, when a user confirms a previewimage, the payment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD isdelivered between the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlementserver 70, and thereby the charging processing is performed. In theprint order receiving system, the order receiving server 80 generatesthe aforesaid re-receiving data RROD corresponding to the chargingprocessing. By the supply of the re-receiving data RROD to the outputreceiving server 20, the order of the later printed matter isre-received. Then, in the print order receiving system, the imagestoring server 30 and the second print out apparatus 120 operate togenerate the later printed matter PRL in response to a print instructionfrom the output receiving server 20. The later printed matter PRL isshipped to the user through the shipping terminal 50.

[0250] In the print order receiving system, the delivery of informationis performed in such a way, and then the later printed matter PRL of theimage data based on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

[0251] In more concrete terms, the print order receiving system receivesan order of a print output of a captured image data PID and a reorder ofa print output of the image data based on the captured image data PID byperforming a series of processing as shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19. Inaddition, in FIG. 14 to FIG. 19, too, the contents of the processing ofeach apparatus in the print order receiving system are shown, and thetiming of the delivery of information between each apparatus is alsoshown. Moreover, in FIG. 14 to FIG. 19, as described above, white arrowsindicate information delivered in a process for ordering a print outputof an image by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 100, and blackarrows indicate information to be delivered in a process for a laterreorder based on a captured image data obtained by previous imaging.Moreover, the user terminal 90 in FIG. 14 to FIG. 19 may designate anactual user oneself.

[0252] By the imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 in the print orderreceiving system at first, the process for ordering a print output of animage is performed through a series of the processing as shown in FIG.17.

[0253] In other words, in the print order receiving system, for example,when a user pays a fee against the imaging apparatus 100, as shown inFIG. 17, at step S61, the imaging apparatus 100 performs the imaging ofan object. At this stage, in the print order receiving system, orderdata OD are generated by the imaging apparatus 100 to be supplied to theoutput receiving server 20. Moreover, in the print order receivingsystem, captured image data PID are supplied from the imaging apparatus100 to the image storing server 30. With this, in the print orderreceiving system, at step S62, the order data OD are stored by theoutput receiving server 20. Moreover, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S63, the image storing server 30 stores the capturedimage data PID.

[0254] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S64, theimaging apparatus 100 generates a print instruction control signal C61for instructing the print of an image to supply the print instructioncontrol signal C61 to the first print out apparatus 110. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the imaging apparatus 100 supplies thecaptured image data PID to be printed to the first print out apparatus110, and the image storing server 30 supplies image data OID such as theforeground image data and/or the background image data to the firstprint out apparatus 110.

[0255] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S65, the firstprint out apparatus 110 performs the printing processing of the imagedata obtained by the execution of predetermined processing such assynthesis of the captured image data PID and the image data OID.Moreover, as the need arises, at step S66, the processing similar to theaforesaid processing at step S10.

[0256] Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S67, the firstprint out apparatus 110 discharges the generated initial printed matterPRF to the outside to execute predetermined delivery processing to theuser. The user, at step S68, receives the outputted initial printedmatter PRF on the spot.

[0257] Moreover, in the print order receiving system, at step S68, theimaging apparatus 100 issues an order memorandum OMR. The user or theuser terminal 90, at step S70, receives the order memorandum OMR.

[0258] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S71, theoutput receiving server 20 generates a reorder receiving inquiry dataRROID to supply the generated reorder receiving inquiry data RROID tothe order receiving server 80. As a result, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S72, the order receiving inquiry server 80 stores thereorder receiving inquiry data RROID, and the series of processing isterminated.

[0259] As described above, in the print order receiving system, a usercan receive the initial printed matter PRF of the captured image dataPID obtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 100.

[0260] On the other hand, in the print order receiving system, theprocess for reordering later printed matter PRL later on the basis of acaptured image data PID is performed through a series of processing asshown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. Similarly to the process shown in FIG. 9and FIG. 10, the process is roughly divided into four processes, i.e. aconnection & user inquiry process, a reception and received contentconfirmation process, a payment confirmation and order receivingprocess, and a printing and shipping process.

[0261] At first, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG.18, the connection & user inquiry process is performed. In the printorder receiving system, at step S81, the user terminal 90 performsaccess processing to the order receiving server 80. The accessprocessing is for example the following processing. In the print orderreceiving system, a connection requirement control signal C81 forrequiring connection is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the orderreceiving server 80 in response to the access processing. Thereby, inthe print order receiving system, when the connection is permitted, theaforesaid predetermined initial screen IV for reorder is downloaded fromthe order receiving server 80 to the user terminal 90 to be displayed onthe not shown display of the user terminal 90.

[0262] Next, in the print order receiving system, the user requests areorder by operating a selection button on an initial screen IV with anoperation section. In the print order receiving system, the userterminal 90 supplies a reorder request control signal C82 for therequest of a reorder to the order receiving server 80 in response to therequest. As a result, in the print order receiving system, the orderreceiving server 80 supplies a request control signal C83 for requestingthe upload of reorder data ROD of the user terminal 90. In the printorder receiving system, at step S82, the reorder data ROD is generatedby user's input of predetermined information with the operation sectionafter the user's confirmation of the contents of the order memorandumOMR in response to the request. In the print order receiving system, thereorder data ROD is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the orderreceiving server 80.

[0263] Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S83, the orderreceiving server 80 inquires the user by inspecting the conformitybetween the reorder receiving inquiry data RROID and the reorder dataROD.

[0264] Next, in the print order receiving system, when the eligibilityof a user is certified and the user's reorder is permitted, as thereception and received content confirmation, the aforesaid predeterminedmenu screen MV for a reorder is downloaded from the order receivingserver 80 to the user terminal 90 to be displayed on the display of theuser terminal 90. In the print order receiving system, a user issues areorder by selecting desired image data to reorder in the menu displayedon the menu screen MV by operating a selection button for selecting theimage data with the operating section. At that stage, the user canselect desired foreground image data and/or desired background imagedata besides captured image data PID. In the print order receivingsystem, in response to the user's selection operation, an image dataselection control signal C84 indicating the selected image data issupplied from the user terminal 90 to the order receiving server 80.Thereby, in the print order receiving system, at step S84, receptioncontents such as the selected image data and an ordered quantity areconfirmed by the order receiving server 80.

[0265] In succession, in the print order receiving system, a previewdisplay instruction control signal C85 for making the display of theuser terminal 90 display a preview image on the basis of the selectedimage data is supplied from the order receiving server 80 to the imageprocessing server 60. Thereby, in the print order receiving system, atstep S85, the image processing server 60 performs the predeterminedpreparation processing for performing the display of a preview image tothe user terminal 90. Then, in the print order receiving system, animage requirement control signal C86 indicating the requirement for theimage data to be displayed as preview display is supplied from the imageprocessing server 60 to the image storing server 30.

[0266] NextNext, in the print order receiving system, the aforesaidimage data PVID are read from the image storing server 30 in response tothe image requirement control signal C86 to be supplied to the imageprocessing server 60. In the print order receiving system, at step S86,the image processing server 60 performs the predetermined imageprocessing of the image data PVID to supply the processed image dataPVID to the user terminal 90 as a preview image PVI. The preview imagePVI is displayed on the display in the user terminal 90.

[0267] Then, in the print order receiving system, when the user confirmsthe preview image PVI and performs a predetermined operation indicatingthe decision of the reorder of later printed matter PRL having the samecontents as the preview image PVI, the user terminal 90 supplies aconfirmation control signal C87 indicating the confirmation and theorder of the preview image PVI to the order receiving server 80. In theprint order receiving system, at step S87, the order receiving server 80confirms the final reception contents.

[0268] Next, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG. 19,as the payment confirmation and order receiving process, the aforesaidpredetermined payment method screen CV is downloaded from the orderreceiving server 80 to the user terminal 90 to be displayed on thedisplay of the user terminal 90. In the print order receiving system, auser selects a desired payment method in the menu displayed in thepayment method screen CV and operates the selection button for theselection of the payment method with the operation section, and therebya payment method control signal C88 is supplied from the user terminal90 to the order receiving server 80. Then, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S88, the order receiving server 80 confirms the paymentmethod, and a charging instruction control signal C89 instructingcharging is supplied to the charging & settlement server 70.

[0269] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S89, thecharging & settlement server 70 performs predetermined preparationprocessing for executing charging processing, and the charging &settlement server 70 supplies a payment information requirement signalC90 for requiring the aforesaid payment information to the user terminal90. As a result, in the print order receiving system, by the user'sinput of the predetermined payment information with the operationsection of the user terminal 90, the payment information is generated asthe aforesaid reorder data ROD by the user terminal 90 to be supplied tothe charging & settlement server 70. In the print order receivingsystem, when the reorder data ROD are supplied from the user terminal 90to the charging & settlement server 70, at step S90, the charging &settlement server 70 executes the charging processing.

[0270] Then, in the print order receiving system, a payment completioncontrol signal C91 indicating the completion of the payment is suppliedfrom the charging & settlement server 70 to the user terminal 90, and acharging completion control signal C92 indicating the completion of thecharging processing is supplied from the charging & settlement server 70to the order receiving server 80. In the print order receiving system,at step S91, the order receiving server 80 performs the processing forcompleting the reorder receiving to supply a reception completioncontrol signal C93 indicating the completion of the reception to theuser terminal 90, and further the aforesaid re-receiving data RROD aresupplied from the order receiving server 80 to the output receivingserver 20.

[0271] In succession, in the print order receiving system, as theprinting and shipping process, at step S92, the output receiving server20 generates a printing instruction control signal C94 for instructingthe printing of an image to be supplied to the second print outapparatus 120. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, imagerequirement control signals C95 and C96 indicating the requirement ofthe image data to be printed are supplied from the output receivingserver 20 and the second print out apparatus 120 to the image storingserver 30. As a result, in the print order receiving system, image dataPRID to be printed are read from the image storing server 30 in responseto the image requirement control signals C95 and C96 to be supplied tothe second print out apparatus 120.

[0272] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S93, thesecond print out apparatus 120 performs the printing processing of theimage data PRID, and further, at step S94, the second print outapparatus 120 performs the post processing of the printing similar tothe aforesaid processing at step S10 as the need arises.

[0273] Then, in the print order receiving system, the second print outapparatus 120 supplies a print ending control signal C97 indicating theending of the printing of an image together with the generated laterprinted matter PRL to the shipping terminal 50. As a result, in theprint order receiving system, at step S95, the shipping terminal 50performs predetermined shipping processing, and the later printed matterPRL is shipped to the user. The user, at step S96, receives the shippedlater printed matter PRL, and the series of processing is terminated.

[0274] As described above, in the print order receiving system, a usercan reorder and receive a later printed matter PRL of image data basedon captured image data PID obtained by the imaging with the imagingapparatus 10.

[0275] As described above, the print order receiving system shown as thethird embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the print orderreceiving system shown as the first embodiment, stores various kinds ofinformation concerning ordering together with captured image data PIDobtained by previous imaging, and supplies the stored informationtogether with the captured image data PID through a network. Thereby, auser can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the image data based onthe captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, theprint order receiving system enables an business operator to establishthe imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110 at aplurality of places and to establish various kinds of apparatus otherthan the imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the first print out apparatus 110 and the secondprint out apparatus 120, and to collect the expense of equipment in ashort period. In particular, because the print order receiving systemcan deliver initial printed matter PRF obtained by imaging to a user onthe spot, the facility of the system to the user and the amusing featureof the system are improved.

[0276] Next, a description is given to a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention. The print order receiving system has a configurationbasically similar to that of the print order receiving system shown asthe second embodiment. The print order receiving system of the forthembodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in deliveringprinted matter of captured image data obtained by imaging with imagingapparatus to a user on the spot similarly to the print order receivingsystem shown as the third embodiment. Accordingly, hereupon, eachapparatus is designated by the same reference mark as that of the secondembodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0277] The print order receiving system is, as shown in FIG. 20,equipped with an output receiving server 20, an image storing server 30,a shipping terminal 50, an image processing server 60, a charging &settlement server 70, an order receiving server 80, user terminals 90,imaging apparatus 100, first print out apparatus 110 and a second printout apparatus 120.

[0278] In the print order receiving system, a network connecting theuser terminals 90 with the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80 is one such asthe Internet. A network connecting the output receiving server 20, theimage storing server 30, the shipping terminal 50, the image processingserver 60, the order receiving server 80 and the second print outapparatus 120 and a network connecting the imaging apparatus 100 and thefirst print out apparatus 110 and the second print out apparatus 120 areone such as intranet. Then, in the print order receiving system, theimaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110 areconnected with the network and disposed at a plurality of locations. Aplurality of user terminals 90 is connected with the network connectingthe image processing server 60, the charging & settlement server 70 andthe order receiving server 80.

[0279] Each of the imaging apparatus 100, as described above, includesan imaging section 101, an image computer 102, an imaging database 103and an order memorandum issuing 104.

[0280] The imaging section 101, as described above, images an object anda background and the like as the need arises under the control of theimaging computer 102.

[0281] The image computer 102 performs the control of the imagingsection 101 at the event of imaging, and supplies captured image dataobtained by the imaging of the imaging section 101 not to the imagestoring server 30 but to the order receiving server 80. Moreover, theimage computer 102 supplies the generated various kinds of informationconcerning imaging to the imaging database 103, and supplies theinformation not to the output receiving server 20 but to the orderreceiving server 80 as order data. Moreover, the image computer 102, asdescribed above, generates a print instruction control signal forinstructing the printing of an image to supply the generated printinstruction control signal to the first print out apparatus 110. Theimage computer 102 also supplies the captured image data obtained by theimaging of the imaging section 101 to the first print out apparatus 110.Furthermore, the image computer 102, as described above, controls theorder memorandum issuing 104 to make it issue an order memorandum.

[0282] The imaging database 103, as described above, stores variouskinds of information concerning imaging, the information being generatedby the image computer 102, as a database. The various kinds ofinformation that concern the imaging and are to be stored in the imagingdatabase 103 are the same as ones shown in FIG. 2 previously.

[0283] The order memorandum issuing 104, as described above, issues atleast the aforesaid “Image number (Order Number)” and “Password” as anorder memorandum under the control of the image computer 102. It isneedless to say that, in the print order receiving system, as describedabove, an order memorandum issued by the order memorandum issuing 104may be delivered to a user on the spot as printed matter, or the ordermemorandum may be delivered to the user by the transmission of the ordermemorandum to the user terminal 90 through a predetermined provider.

[0284] Each of such imaging apparatus 100 images at least an object bythe user's payment of a rental fee in, for example, coins, and theimaging apparatus 100 generates the information concerning the imagingtogether with captured image data. The imaging apparatus 100 controlsthe first print out apparatus 110 to make the first print out apparatus110 output printed matter.

[0285] The output receiving server 20, as described above, includes areceiving computer 21 and a receiving database 22.

[0286] The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds ofinformation concerning order receiving on the basis of the order datasupplied not from the imaging apparatus 100 but from the order receivingapparatus 80, and the receiving computer 21 supplies the generatedinformation to the receiving database 22. Now, the receiving computer 21does not generate the aforesaid reorder receiving inquiry data.Moreover, the receiving computer 21, as described above, receivesre-receiving data from the order receiving server 80 at the event ofreceiving a reorder. Then, the receiving computer 21 generates thevarious kinds of information concerning order receiving on the basis ofthe received re-receiving data to supply the generated information tothe receiving database 22. Moreover, the receiving computer 21, asdescribed above, generates a print instruction control signal forinstructing the printing of an image. The receiving computer 21 suppliesthe generated print instruction control signal to the second print outapparatus 120, and further the receiving computer 21 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of image data tobe printed to the image storing server 30.

[0287] The receiving database 22, as described above, stores the variouskinds of information that concern order receiving and were generated bythe receiving computer 21 as a database. The various kinds ofinformation that concern order receiving and are to be stored in thereceiving database 22 are the same as ones shown in FIG. 3 previously.However, the various kinds of information concerning order receivingwere generated by the receiving computer 21 on the basis of the orderdata and the re-receiving data, both being supplied from the orderreceiving server 80.

[0288] This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processingconcerning the order receiving of a print out of an image, and generatesthe information concerning each order receiving.

[0289] The image storing server 30, as described above, includes animage computer 31 and an image database 32.

[0290] The image computer 31, as described above, receives the capturedimage data stored in the order receiving server 80 temporarily, and theimage computer 31 makes the image database 32 store the receivedcaptured image data. Moreover, the image computer 31, as describedabove, makes the image database 32 store various kinds of image databesides the captured image data. Moreover, the image computer 31, asdescribed above, generates various kinds of information concerning thestored image data corresponding to the image data. The image computer 31supplies the generated information to the image database 32 for makingthe image database 32 store the supplied information. Furthermore, theimage computer 31, as described above, reads the image data from theimage database 32 from which image data are required corresponding to animage requirement control signal supplied from the image processingserver 60. The image computer 31 supplies the read image data to theimage processing server 60. Furthermore, the image computer 31, asdescribed above, reads the image data from the image database 32 whichimage data were required corresponding to the image requirement controlsignal supplied from the output receiving server 20 and the second printout apparatus 120. The image computer 31 supplies the read image data tothe second print out apparatus 120.

[0291] The image database 32, as described above, stores various kindsof image data under the control of the image computer 31, and storesvarious kinds of information that concern image data and are generatedby the image computer 31 as a database. The various kinds of informationthat concern the image data and are stored in the image database 32 arethe same ones as shown in FIG. 4 previously.

[0292] This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data,and generates the information concerning image data.

[0293] The first print out apparatus 110, as described above, includesan output computer 111 and a print output 112.

[0294] As described above, when a printing instruction control signalinstructing the printing of an image is supplied to the output computer111 from the imaging apparatus 100, the output computer 111 makes theprint output 112 print the image data generated by the predeterminedimage processing such as the synthesis of the captured image datasupplied from the imaging apparatus 100 and the desired image datasupplied from the image storing server 30.

[0295] The print output 112, as described above, prints an image underthe control of the output computer 111 to discharge it as printed matterto the outside. The printed matter is delivered to a user as it is.

[0296] This first print out apparatus 110 prints the designated image,and generates printed matter to deliver it to a user.

[0297] The second print out apparatus 120, as described above, includesan output computer 121 and a print output 122.

[0298] As described above, when a printing instruction control signalfor instructing the printing of an image is supplied to the outputcomputer 121 from the output receiving server 20, the output computer121 supplies an image requirement control signal indicating therequirement of the image data to be printed to the image storing server30. Then, the output computer 121 makes the print output 122 print theimage data read corresponding to the image requirement control signal.And then, when the printing ends, the output computer 121 supplies aprint ending control signal indicating the end of the printing of animage to the shipping terminal 50 together with generated printedmatter.

[0299] The print output 122, as described above, prints an image underthe control of the output computer 121 to discharge it as printed matterto the outside. The printed matter is supplied to the shipping terminal50 by the output computer 121.

[0300] This second print out apparatus 120 prints the designated image,and generates printed matter as final shipping goods.

[0301] The shipping terminal 50, as described above, includes a shippingcomputer 51.

[0302] As described above, when a print ending control signal indicatingthe end of the printing of an image is supplied to the shipping computer51 from the second print out apparatus 120, the shipping computer 51performs various kinds of processing for the preparation for shipment.When the preparation for the shipping by the shipping computer 51 iscompleted, the printed matter is shipped. The shipping computer 51generates shipping information indicating the shipping of the printedmatter, and records the information in, for example, a hard disk driveor the like, or displays the information on a display.

[0303] This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processingsuch as the generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

[0304] The image processing server 60, as described above, includes aprocessing computer 61.

[0305] As described above, when a preview display instruction controlsignal for instructing the not shown display of the user terminal 90 todisplay an image is supplied to the processing computer 61 from theorder receiving server 80, the processing computer 61 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be displayed to the image storing server 30. Then, the processingcomputer 61, as described above, processes the image data that were readin response to the image requirement control signal as the need arises,and the processing computer 61 supplies the read image data to the userterminal 90 as a preview image to make the displaying of the previewimage.

[0306] This image processing server 60 processes image data to generatea preview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

[0307] The charging & settlement server 70, as described above, includesa charging computer 71 and a charging database 72.

[0308] As described above, when a charging instruction control signalfor instructing charging is supplied to the charging computer 71 fromthe order receiving server 80, the charging computer 71 requires paymentinformation, which is the information concerning a payment methodnecessary for the payment of charge, of the user terminal 90. Then, whenthe charging computer 71, as described above, receives the paymentinformation from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the chargingcomputer 71 executes its charging processing. And then, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a payment completion control signal indicating thecompletion of payment to the user terminal 90. Moreover, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a charging completion control signal indicating thecompletion of the charging processing to the order receiving server 80.The charging computer 71 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the charging and the settlement at the event of theprocessing to make the charging database 72 store the information.

[0309] The charging database 72, as described above, stores the variouskinds of information that concern charging and settlement and aregenerated by the charging computer 71 as a database. The various kindsof information to be stored in the charging database 71 are the same asones shown in FIG. 5 previously.

[0310] This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

[0311] The order receiving server 80, as described above, includes anorder computer 81 and an order database 82.

[0312] As described above, when order data generated by the imagingapparatus 100 are supplied to the order computer 81, the order computer81 makes the order database 82 store the order data, and generatesvarious kinds of information concerning the receiving of an order on thebasis of the order data. The order computer 81 supplies the generatedinformation to the order database 82. Moreover, when captured image dataare supplied to the order computer 81 from the imaging apparatus 100,the order computer 81 supplies the captured image data to the orderdatabase 82, and makes the order database 82 store the captured imagedata temporarily. After that, the order computer 81 supplies the storedcaptured image data to the image storing server 30. Furthermore, theorder computer 81 supplies received order data indicating the contentsof the order to the output receiving server 20.

[0313] Then, when a connection requirement is issued from the userterminal 90 to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 performs thesame processing as one described above. In other words, the ordercomputer 81 makes a not shown display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined initial screen for reordering. When various kinds ofinformation indicating reordered contents are supplied to the ordercomputer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry by inspecting the conformity betweenthe order data and the reorder data when a requirement of a reorder istransmitted from the user terminal 90. When the user is an eligibleperson as a result of the inquiring, the order computer 81 makes thedisplaying of a predetermined menu screen for reordering on the displayscreen of the user terminal 90. According to a selection operation ofthe user terminal 90 with the menu screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid preview display instruction control signal formaking the display of the user terminal 90 display a preview image tothe image processing server 60. Then, when a confirmation control signalindicating an order after the confirmation of the preview image issupplied to the order computer 81 from the user terminal 90, the ordercomputer 81 makes the display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined payment method screen concerning the payment of a charge.In response to a selection operation of the user terminal 90 with thepayment method screen, the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidcharging instruction control signal instructing charging to the charging& settlement server 70. Moreover, when the aforesaid charging completioncontrol signal indicating the completion of charging processing issupplied to the order computer 81 from the charging & settlement server70, the order computer 81 supplies a reception completion control signalindicating the completion of the reception of the reorder to the userterminal 90, and further the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidre-receiving data indicating the contents of the reorder to the outputreceiving server 20. The order computer 81 generates the informationconcerning the reorder as the aforesaid various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of the order, and the information is suppliedto the order database 82.

[0314] The order database 82, as described above, temporarily stores thecaptured image data and stores various kinds of information that weregenerated by the order computer 81 and concern the reception of an orderas a database under the control of the order computer 81. The variouskinds of information that are to be stored in the order database 82 andconcern the reception of an order are the same as those shown in FIG. 6previously. The information further includes ordered prices of capturedimage data themselves which prices were obtained by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 100.

[0315] This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reordersof images and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

[0316] The user terminal 90, as described above, includes a usercomputer 91.

[0317] The user computer 91 performs the procedures such as the displayof a preview image or payment by performing the processing similar tothe aforesaid one through a predetermined provider at the event ofperforming a reorder of an image.

[0318] This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information to a businessoperator through a network.

[0319] Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatuslike this performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 21, and receives an order of a print output of an image.In FIG. 21, white arrows indicate information delivered in a process forordering a print output of an image by the imaging of the imagingapparatus 100, and black arrows indicate information to be delivered ina process for a later reorder based on a captured image data obtained byprevious imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printed matter shippedin the process indicated by the white arrows is called as “initialprinted matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicated by theblack arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the need arises.

[0320] In the print order receiving system, when a user first performsthe imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 by paying a rental fee, forexample, in coins or the like, the captured image data PID generated bythe imaging of the imaging apparatus 100 are supplied to the first printout apparatus 110. Then, in the print order receiving system, when theorder of the print output of the captured image data PID is received insuch a way, the first print out apparatus 110 is operated in response toa printing instruction from the imaging apparatus 100. The initialprinted matter PRF generated by the first print out apparatus 110 isdelivered to a user on the spot. Moreover, in the print order receivingsystem, the aforesaid order memorandum OMR is directly delivered to auser, or the order memorandum OMR is delivered to the user through theuser terminal 90. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, theaforesaid order data OD generated by the imaging apparatus 100 and thecaptured image data PID obtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus100 are both supplied to the order receiving server 80. Then in theprint order receiving system, the captured image data stored in theorder receiving server 80 temporarily are supplied to the image storingserver 30. Moreover, the print order receiving system, the orderreceiving server 80 generates the aforesaid ordered data RODD to supplythe generated ordered data RODD to the output receiving server 20.

[0321] In the print order receiving system, the delivery of informationis performed in such way as described above, and then the initialprinted mater PRF of the captured imaged data PID reaches the user.

[0322] Moreover, in the print order receiving system, when a reorder oflater printed matter of image data based on the captured image data PIDis performed, a user accesses the order receiving server 80 with theuser terminal 90 at first. Then, the user transmits reorder data ROD tothe order receiving server 80 with the user terminal 90.

[0323] In the print order receiving system, when the later printedmatter of the image data based on the captured image data PID is orderedin such a way, the image processing server 60 reads the captured imagedata PID, foreground image data and/or background image data, all beingdesignated by the image storing server 30, and predetermined imageprocessing is performed to the read image data. The image data obtainedas a result of the processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 asa preview image, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal90. In the print order receiving system, when a user confirms a previewimage, the payment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD isdelivered between the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlementserver 70, and thereby the charging processing is performed. In theprint order receiving system, the order receiving server 80 generatesthe aforesaid re-receiving data RROD corresponding to the chargingprocessing. By the supply of the re-receiving data RROD to the outputreceiving server 20, the order of the later printed matter isre-received. Then, in the print order receiving system, the imagestoring server 30 and the second print out apparatus 120 operate togenerate the later printed matter PRL in response to a print instructionfrom the output receiving server 20. The later printed matter PRL isshipped to the user through the shipping terminal 50.

[0324] In the print order receiving system, by delivering information insuch way as described above, the later printed matter PRL of the imagedata based on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

[0325] In more specific terms, the print order receiving system receivesan order of a print output of a captured image data PID by performing aseries of processing as shown in FIG. 22, and receives a reorder ofprint output of the image data based on the captured image data PID byperforming the processing similar to that shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19previously. In addition, in FIG. 22 too, the contents of the processingof each apparatus in the print order receiving system are shown, and thetiming of the delivery of information between each apparatus is alsoindicated. Moreover, the user terminal 90 in FIG. 22 may designate anactual user oneself.

[0326] In other words, by the imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 inthe print order receiving system, as the process for ordering a printoutput of an image, for example, when a user pays a fee against theimaging apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 22, at step S101, the imagingapparatus 100 performs the imaging of an object.

[0327] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S102, theimaging apparatus 100 generates a print instruction control signal C101for instructing the print of an image to supply the print instructioncontrol signal C101 to the first print out apparatus 110. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the imaging apparatus 100 supplies thecaptured image data PID to be printed to the first print out apparatus110, and the image storing server 30 supplies image data OID such as theforeground image data and/or the background image data to the firstprint out apparatus 110.

[0328] Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S103, thefirst print out apparatus 110 performs the printing processing of theimage data obtained by the execution of predetermined processing such assynthesis of the captured image data PID and the image data OID.Moreover, as the need arises, at step S104, the processing similar tothe aforesaid processing at step S10.

[0329] Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S105, thefirst print out apparatus 110 outputs the generated initial printedmatter PRF in order to execute a predetermined delivery processing tothe user. The user, at step S106, receives the outputted initial printedmatter PRF on the spot.

[0330] Moreover, in the print order receiving system, at step S107, theimaging apparatus 100 issues an order memorandum OMR. The user or theuser terminal 90, at step S108, receives the order memorandum OMR.

[0331] Next, in the print order receiving system, the imaging apparatus100 generates an order data OD in order to supply the generated orderdata OD to the order receiving server 80. Moreover, in the print orderreceiving system, the imaging apparatus 100 supplies captured image dataPID to the order receiving server 80. As a result, in the print orderreceiving system, at step S109, the order receiving server 80 storeorder data OD, and at step S110, the order receiving server 80temporarily stores the captured image data PID.

[0332] Next, in the print order receiving system, the order receivingserver 80 supplies the captured image data PID to the image storingserver 30. As a result, in the print order receiving system, at stepS111, the image storing server 30 stores the capture image data PID.Moreover, in the print order receiving system, the order receivingserver 80 supplies the ordered data RODD to the output receiving server20. As a result, in the print order receiving system, at step S112, theoutput receiving server 20 stores the ordered data RODD. Thus, theseries of processing is completed.

[0333] As described above, in the print order receiving system, a usercan receive the initial printed matter PRF of the captured image dataPID obtained by the imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 on the spot.In addition, in the print order receiving system, the process forreordering later printed matter PRL based on the captured image data PIDlater is performed through a series of processing like the processingshown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 previously.

[0334] As described above, the print order receiving system shown as thefourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the print orderreceiving system shown as the second embodiment, stores various kinds ofinformation concerning ordering together with captured image data PIDobtained by previous imaging, and supplies the stored informationtogether with the captured image data PID through a network. Thereby, auser can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the image data based onthe captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, theprint order receiving system enables an business operator to establishthe imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110 at aplurality of places and to establish various kinds of apparatus otherthan the imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the first print out apparatus 110 and the secondprint out apparatus 120, and to collect the expense of equipment in ashort period. In particular, because the print order receiving systemintensively receives the order at first and a reorder with the orderreceiving server 80, the system can generate The same database both atthe order at first and at the reorder. Consequently, the simplificationof processing can be attained. Moreover, because the system can deliverinitial printed matter PRF obtained by imaging to a user on the spot,the convenience of the system to the user and the amusing feature of thesystem are improved.

[0335] As described above, the print order receiving system shown as theembodiment of the present invention stores various kinds of informationconcerning orders along with captured image data obtained by previousimaging. Consequently, a user can easily reorder printed matter of imagedata based on captured image data obtained by previous imaging through anetwork. Hence, the print order receiving system can meet a request of auser even in a case in which, for example, a plurality of sheets of thesame printed matter are needed later and in a case in which a pluralsheets of printed matter in which only the foregrounds and/or thebackgrounds are changed. In particular, the print order receiving systemis effective in a case in which a printed matter is produced by theimaging of a parallax image. By imaging a parallax image only once, thesame printed matter or the similar printed matter in which theforeground and/or the background has been changed can be reordered.

[0336] On the other hand, because the print order receiving system canrealize a sales form of reordering through a network, a businessoperator is not required to increase the number of systems to increasesales. Moreover, because the system can be put together at few places,the initial fee concerning the manufacturing the equipment of the systemcan be reduced. Moreover, the print order receiving system can increasethe operation efficiency thereof by collection of the establishmentplaces thereof. Thereby it is possible to secure many users for a unittime. Consequently, the costs of the equipment can be recovered in shortterm. Furthermore, it is also possible to supply a series of services toa user in a cheaply fashion.

[0337] In addition, the present invention is not limited to theaforesaid preferred embodiments, so that many other combinations and subcombinations thereof are allowable. For example, the present inventionmay be a combination of the first embodiment and the third embodiment,or a combination of the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

[0338] More specifically, in the print order receiving system, the formof shipping of initial printed matter after imaging can be changed byproviding a function of selection of the reception form of initialprinted matter at the event of user's imaging with an imaging apparatusamong two choices. One choice is that the user receives the initialprinted matter obtained by the imaging later like in the firstembodiment and the second embodiment. The other choice is that the userreceives the initial printed matter on the spot after the imaging likein the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

[0339] Moreover, the print order receiving system may have a mode ofreceiving initial printed matter of two grades of image quality. A firstgrade would be, for example, a low resolution image quality, theso-called replica, in the case in which the initial printed matter isdelivered to a user on the spot after imaging like in the thirdembodiment and in the fourth embodiment. A second grade would be, forexample, a high resolution image quality in the case in which theinitial printed matter is reordered later after user's confirmation ofthe initial printed matter like in the first embodiment and in thesecond embodiment. In such case, because the print order receivingsystem can set the price of the initial printed matter delivered to auser first to be more affordable, the system can provide a series ofservices under affordable price, and thereby the convenience of thesystem in relation to a user can be improved.

[0340] Although the invention has been described in its preferred formwith a certain degree of particularity, obviously many changes,variations and combinations are possible therein. It is therefore to beunderstood that any modifications will be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

1. A print order receiving system, comprising: a plurality of imagingapparatus for imaging an object; a first order receiving apparatusconnected with said plural imaging apparatus through a first network,said first order receiving apparatus receiving orders of a print outputof every image data obtained by imaging of the object, the imaging beingperformed by said plural imaging apparatus; an image storing apparatusconnected with said plural imaging apparatus through the first network,said image storing apparatus storing image data including the capturedimage data supplied from said plural imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork; a first print out apparatus connected with said plural imagingapparatus through the first network, said first print out apparatusprinting the image data including at least the captured image datasupplied from said image storing apparatus through the first network tooutput initial printed matter; and a shipping terminal connected withsaid plural imaging apparatus through the first network, said shippingterminal executing shipping processing of the initial printed mattercorresponding to the captured image data.
 2. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 1, said system further comprising: a pluralityof communication terminals for executing a reorder of a later printedmatter that is a printed matter of image data based on the capturedimage data through a second network, the second network being differentfrom the first network; a second order receiving apparatus connectedwith said plural imaging apparatus through the first network and saidplural communication terminals through the second network, said secondorder receiving apparatus receiving a reorder of the later printedmatter, the reorder being issued from said plural communicationterminals; and a charging and settlement apparatus connected with saidplural communication terminals through the second network, said chargingand settlement apparatus executing charging and settlement of paymentfor the reordered later printed matter, wherein: said first orderreceiving apparatus receives the reorder of a print output of the imagedata based on the captured image data through the first network, theprint output having been reordered by said communication terminals tosaid second order receiving apparatus through the second network, inresponse to the execution of the charging and the settlement by saidcharging and settlement apparatus; in response to the receiving of thereorder of the print output of the image data based on the reorderedcaptured image data by said first order receiving apparatus, the imagedata based on the reordered captured image data is supplied from saidimage storing apparatus to said first print out apparatus through thefirst network, and said first print out apparatus prints the suppliedimage data to output the later printed matter; and said shippingterminal executes shipping processing of the later printed mattercorresponding to image data based on the reordered captured image data.3. The print order receiving system according to claim 1, wherein saidimaging apparatus generates information concerning imaging, theinformation indicating contents of the imaging, and said imagingapparatus stores the information concerning imaging, the informationbeing generated in correspondence with each of a plurality of theimaging performed, in a form of database.
 4. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 3, wherein said imaging apparatus supply theinformation concerning the imaging to said first order receivingapparatus as order data through the first network.
 5. The print orderreceiving system according to claim 4, wherein said first orderreceiving apparatus generates information concerning order receiving,the information indicating contents of order receiving, on a basis ofthe order data supplied from said imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork, and said first order receiving apparatus stores the informationgenerated in correspondence with each of a plurality of events of orderreceiving as a database.
 6. The print order receiving system accordingto claim 1, wherein said imaging apparatus issues a deposit receipt, thedeposit receipt being information certifying contents of an order. 7.The print order receiving system according to claim 6, wherein saiddeposit receipt has at least information including an image number beingan identification number peculiar to each data of imaging and a passwordfor certifying eligibility of an authority to access the captured imagedata.
 8. The print order receiving system according to claim 6, whereinsaid imaging apparatus issue the deposit receipt in a form of printedmaterial.
 9. The print order receiving system according to claim 6,wherein said imaging apparatus transmit the issued deposit receipt to adesignated communication terminal through a second network differentfrom the first network.
 10. The print order receiving system accordingto claim 1, wherein said image storing apparatus generates informationconcerning the image data, the information indicating contents of theimage data, in correspondence with the stored image data, and said imagestoring apparatus stores the information concerning the image data, theinformation being generated in correspondence with each of a pluralityof the image data as a database.
 11. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 2, wherein: said imaging apparatus generateinformation concerning imaging, the information indicating contents ofthe imaging, at every imaging, and said imaging apparatus supply theinformation concerning imaging, the information being generated incorrespondence with each of a plurality of imaging, as order data tosaid first order receiving apparatus through the first network, and on abasis of the order data supplied from said imaging apparatus through thefirst network, said first order receiving apparatus generates, at a timeof reorder receiving, reorder receiving inquiry data for inquiringwhether the reordered print output of the image data based on thecaptured image data is reordered by an eligible person having anauthority to access the captured image, and said first order receivingapparatus supplies the reorder receiving inquiry data to said secondorder receiving apparatus through the first network.
 12. The print orderreceiving system according to claim 11, wherein said second orderreceiving apparatus generates information concerning receiving of anorder, the information indicating contents of the order, on a basis ofthe reorder receiving inquiry data supplied from the first orderreceiving apparatus through the first network, and said second orderreceiving apparatus stores the information concerning the receivinggenerated in correspondence with a plurality of orders, in a form ofdatabase.
 13. The print order receiving system according to claim 11,wherein: said communication terminals generate reorder data indicatingcontents of the reorders to supply the reorder data to said second orderreceiving apparatus through the second network; and said second orderreceiving apparatus inspects consistency of the reorder data and thereorder receiving inquiry data supplied from said first order receivingapparatus through the first network, and said second order receivingapparatus inquires whether the reorder is sent by an eligible personhaving an authority to access the captured image data.
 14. The printorder receiving system according to claim 13, wherein: saidcommunication terminals generate payment information, that isinformation concerning a payment method required for payment of acharge, as the reorder data, and supply the reorder data to saidcharging and settlement apparatus through the second network; and saidcharging and settlement apparatus performs charging and settlement ofthe reordered later printed mater on a basis of the reorder data. 15.The print order receiving system according to claim 14, wherein saidcharging and settlement apparatus generates information concerningcharging and settlement, both indicating contents of chargingprocessing, on a basis of the reorder data, and said charging andsettlement apparatus stores information concerning the charging andsettlement generated in correspondence with a plurality of chargingprocessing as a database.
 16. The print order receiving system accordingto claim 12, wherein said second order receiving apparatus suppliesreordered data indicating contents of the reorder to said first orderreceiving apparatus through the first network after completion ofcharging processing by said charging and settlement apparatus, and saidsecond order receiving apparatus generates the information concerningreceiving of an order.
 17. The print order receiving system according toclaim 2, said system further comprising: an image processing apparatusfor performing processing of image data, said image processing apparatusperforming the processing to the image data including at least capturedimage data supplied from said image storing apparatus through the firstnetwork to generate a preview image of the reordered image data based onthe captured image data.
 18. The print order receiving system accordingto claim 17, wherein said communication terminals display the previewimage supplied from said image processing apparatus through the secondnetwork on their displays, and said communication terminals generatepayment information being information concerning a payment methodrequired for payment of a charge as reorder data in response to a resultof displaying the preview image and supplies the reorder data to saidcharging and settlement apparatus through the second network.
 19. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 17, wherein said imageprocessing apparatus synthesizes the captured image data supplied fromsaid image storing apparatus through the first network and foregroundimage data that become a foreground and/or background image data thatbecome a background, both being supplied from said image storingapparatus through the first network.
 20. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 2, wherein the later printed matter is a copyof the initial printed matter, or similar printed matter with a changein a foreground and/or a back ground of the initial printed matterexcept for the imaged object.
 21. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said image data are two-dimensional orthree-dimensional image data of an image including a static image, amotion picture and/or a parallax image.
 22. A method for receiving anorder for image printing, said method comprising the steps of: imagingan object with a plurality of imaging apparatus; receiving an order of aprint output with a first order receiving apparatus, that is connectedwith said plural imaging apparatus through a first network, for capturedimage data obtained by the imaging of the object, the imaging beingperformed by said plural imaging apparatus; storing image data includingthe captured image data supplied from said plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network by an image storing apparatus connected withsaid plural imaging apparatus through the first network; printing theimage data including at least the captured image data supplied from saidimage storing apparatus through the first network to output initialprinted matter with a first print out apparatus connected with saidplural imaging apparatus through the first network; and shipping theinitial printed matter in correspondence with the captured image datawith a shipping terminal connected with said plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network.
 23. The method for receiving an order forimage printing according to claim 22, said method further comprising thesteps of: reordering later printed matter, that is printed matter ofimage data based on the captured image data, through a second networkthat is different from the first network by a plurality of communicationterminals; receiving the reorder of the later printed matter, thereorder being issued from said plural communication terminals, by asecond order receiving apparatus connected with said plural imagingapparatus through the first network and with plural communicationterminals with the second network; charging and settling the reorderedlater printed matter by a charging and settlement apparatus connectedwith said plural communication terminals through the second network;re-receiving a reorder of a print output of the image data based on thecaptured image data through the first network by said first orderreceiving apparatus, the print output being reordered by saidcommunication terminals to said second order receiving apparatus throughthe second network, in response to the execution of the charging and thesettlement by said charging and settlement apparatus; supplying theimage data based on the reordered captured image data from said imagestoring apparatus to said first print out apparatus through the firstnetwork in response to the re-receiving of the reordered print output ofthe image data based on the reordered captured image data by said firstorder receiving apparatus; printing the image data supplied from saidimage storing apparatus by said first print out apparatus to output thelater printed matter; and shipping the later printed matter by saidshipping terminal in correspondence with the image data based on thereordered captured image data.
 24. The method for receiving an order forimage printing according to claim 23, said method further comprising astep of: executing processing of the image data including at least thecaptured image data supplied from said image storing apparatus throughthe first network by an image processing apparatus to generate a previewimage of the reordered image data based on the captured image data. 25.The method for receiving an order for image printing according to claim24, said method further comprising the steps of: displaying the previewimage supplied from said image processing apparatus through the secondnetwork on a display of said communication terminal; generating paymentinformation as a part of reorder data, the payment information beinginformation concerning a payment method required for payment of acharge, in response to a result of displaying the preview image; andsupplying the reorder data to said charging and settlement apparatusthrough the second network.
 26. A print order receiving system, saidsystem comprising: a plurality of imaging apparatus for imaging anobject; a second order receiving apparatus connected with said pluralimaging apparatus through a first network, said second order receivingapparatus being supplied with captured image data obtained by imaging ofthe object from said plural imaging apparatus through the first network,said second order receiving apparatus receiving an order of a printoutput of the captured image data, said second order receiving apparatustemporarily stores the captured image data at each order; an imagestoring apparatus connected with said second order receiving apparatusthrough a second network that is different from the first network, saidimage storing apparatus storing image data including the captured imagedata supplied from said second order receiving apparatus through thesecond network; a first order receiving apparatus connected with saidsecond order receiving apparatus through the second network, said firstorder receiving apparatus receiving an order of the print output forcaptured image data temporarily stored in said second order receivingapparatus; a first print out apparatus connected with said second orderreceiving apparatus through the second network, said first print outapparatus printing the image data including at least the captured imagedata supplied from said image storing apparatus through the secondnetwork to output initial printed matter; and a shipping terminalconnected with said second order receiving apparatus through the secondnetwork, said shipping terminal executing shipping processing of theinitial printed matter in correspondence with captured image data. 27.The print order receiving system according to claim 26, said systemfurther comprising: a plurality of communication terminals for executinga reorder of later printed matter being printed matter of image databased on the captured image data through the first network; and acharging and settlement apparatus connected with said pluralcommunication terminals through the first network, said charging andsettlement apparatus executing charging and settlement of the reorderedlater printed matter, wherein: said second order receiving apparatus isconnected with said plural communication terminals through the firstnetwork and receives the reorder of later printed matter required bysaid plural communication terminals; said first order receivingapparatus re-receives through the second network the print out of theimage data based on the captured image data reordered by saidcommunication terminals to said second order receiving apparatus throughthe first network, according to execution of the charging and settlementby said charging and settlement apparatus; said first print outapparatus is supplied with the reordered image data based on thecaptured image data from said image storing apparatus through the secondnetwork according to the re-receiving of a reorder of the reorderedprint out of the image data based on the captured image data by saidfirst order receiving apparatus, and said first print out apparatusprints the supplied image data to output the later printed matter; andsaid shipping terminal executes shipping processing of the later printedmatter in correspondence with the reordered image data based on thecaptured image data.
 28. The print order receiving system according toclaim 26, wherein said imaging apparatus generates informationconcerning imaging, the information indicating contents of the imaging,and said imaging apparatus stores the information concerning imaging,the information being generated in correspondence with a plurality ofthe imaging process, in a form of database.
 29. The print orderreceiving system according to claim 28, wherein said imaging apparatussupplies the information concerning the imaging to said second orderreceiving apparatus as order data through the first network.
 30. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 29, wherein said secondorder receiving apparatus generates information concerning orderreceiving, the information indicating contents of order receiving, on abasis of the order data supplied from said imaging apparatus through thefirst network, and said second order receiving apparatus stores theinformation concerning the order receiving, the information beinggenerated in correspondence with each of a plurality of events of orderreceiving, in a form of database.
 31. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 29, wherein said second order receiving apparatusgenerates ordered data indicating contents of the order on a basis ofthe order data to supply the ordered data to the first order receivingapparatus through the second network.
 32. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 31, wherein said first order receivingapparatus generates information concerning order receiving, theinformation indicating contents of order receiving, on a basis of theordered data supplied from said second order receiving apparatus throughthe second network, and said first order receiving apparatus stores theinformation concerning the order receiving, the information beinggenerated in correspondence with each of a plurality of events of orderreceiving as a database.
 33. The print order receiving system accordingto claim 26, wherein said imaging apparatus issues deposit receiptsindicating information for certifying contents of an order.
 34. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 33, wherein said depositreceipts severally have at least information including an image numberbeing an identification number peculiar to each event of imaging and apassword for certifying eligibility of an authority to access thecaptured image data.
 35. The print order receiving system according toclaim 33, wherein said imaging apparatus issue the deposit receipts asprinted matter.
 36. The print order receiving system according to claim33, wherein said imaging apparatus transmit the issued deposit receiptsto a designated communication terminal through the first network. 37.The print order receiving system according to claim 26, wherein saidimage storing apparatus generates information concerning the image data,the information indicating contents of the image data, in correspondencewith the stored image data, and said image storing apparatus stores theinformation concerning the image data, the information being generatedin correspondence with each of a plurality of the image data, in a formof database.
 38. The print order receiving system according to claim 27,wherein: said imaging apparatus generates information concerningimaging, the information indicating contents of the imaging for eachimaging, and said imaging apparatus supplies the information concerningimaging, the information being generated in correspondence with each ofa plurality of imaging, as order data to said second order receivingapparatus through the first network, and on a basis of the order datasupplied from said imaging apparatus through the first network, saidsecond order receiving apparatus inquires, at a event of reorderreceiving of the print output of the image data based on the capturedimage data, whether the reordered print output was reordered by aneligible person having an authority to access the captured image. 39.The print order receiving system according to claim 38, wherein: saidcommunication terminals generate reorder data indicating contents ofreorders to supply the reorder data to said second order receivingapparatus through the first network; and said second order receivingapparatus inspects consistency of the reorder data and the order datasupplied from said imaging apparatus through the first network, and saidsecond order receiving apparatus inquires whether the reorder was sentby an eligible person having an authority to access the captured imagedata.
 40. The print order receiving system according to claim 39,wherein: said communication terminals generate payment information beinginformation concerning a payment method required for payment of a chargeas the reorder data to supply the reorder data to said charging andsettlement apparatus through the first network; and said charging andsettlement apparatus performs charging and settlement of the reorderedlater printed mater on a basis of the reorder data.
 41. The print orderreceiving system according to claim 40, wherein said charging andsettlement apparatus generates information concerning charging andsettlement, both indicating contents of charging processing, on a basisof the reorder data, and said charging and settlement apparatus storesinformation concerning the charging and settlement generated incorrespondence with a plurality of events of charging processing as adatabase.
 42. The print order receiving system according to claim 30,wherein said second order receiving apparatus supplies reordered dataindicating contents of the reorder to said first order receivingapparatus through the second network after completion of chargingprocessing by said charging and settlement apparatus, and said secondorder receiving apparatus generates the information concerning receivingof an order.
 43. The print order receiving system according to claim 27,said system further comprising an image processing apparatus forperforming processing of image data, said image processing apparatusperforming the processing to the image data including at least thecaptured image data supplied from said image storing apparatus throughthe second network to generate a preview image of the reordered imagedata based on the captured image data.
 44. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 43, wherein said communication terminalsdisplay the preview image supplied from said image processing apparatusthrough the first network on their displays, and said communicationterminals generate payment information being information concerning apayment method necessary for payment of a charge as reorder dataaccording to a result of displaying the preview image to supply thereorder data to said charging and settlement apparatus through the firstnetwork.
 45. The print order receiving system according to claim 43,wherein said image processing apparatus synthesizes the captured imagedata supplied from said image storing apparatus through the secondnetwork and foreground image data that become a foreground and/orbackground image data that become a background, both being supplied fromsaid image storing apparatus through the second network.
 46. The printorder receiving system according to claim 27, wherein the later printedmatter is the same printed matter as the initial printed matter, orsimilar printed matter made by a change of a foreground and/or a background of the initial printed matter except for the object.
 47. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 26, wherein said imagedata are two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data of an imageincluding a static image, a motion picture and/or a parallax image. 48.A method for receiving an order for image printing, said methodcomprising the steps of: imaging objects by a plurality of imagingapparatus; supplying captured image data from the plural imagingapparatus to a second order receiving apparatus through a first network,the captured image data having been obtained by imaging of the object bysaid plural imaging apparatus, said second order receiving apparatusbeing connected with said plural imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork; receiving an order of a print output by said second orderreceiving apparatus for captured image data; storing the captured imagedata at each order by said second order receiving apparatus; storingimage data including the captured image data supplied from said secondorder receiving apparatus through a second network different from thefirst network by an image storing apparatus connected with said secondorder receiving apparatus through the second network; receiving an orderof the print output at each of the captured image data stored in saidsecond order receiving apparatus by a first order receiving apparatusconnected with said second order receiving apparatus through the secondnetwork; printing the image data including at least the captured imagedata supplied from said image storing apparatus through the secondnetwork to output initial printed matter by a first print out apparatusconnected with said second order receiving apparatus through the secondnetwork; and shipping the initial printed matter in correspondence withthe captured image data by a shipping terminal connected with saidsecond order receiving apparatus through the second network.
 49. Themethod for receiving an order for image printing according to claim 48,said method further comprising the steps of: reordering later printedmatter being printed matter of image data based on the captured imagedata through the first network by a plurality of communicationterminals; receiving a reorder of the later printed matter, the reorderbeing issued from each of said plural communication terminals, by saidsecond order receiving apparatus connected with said plural imagingapparatus through the first network; charging and settling the reorderedlater printed matter by a charging and settlement apparatus connectedwith said plural communication terminals through the first network;re-receiving a reorder of a print output of the image data based on thecaptured image data through the first network by said first orderreceiving apparatus, the print output being reordered by saidcommunication terminals to said second order receiving apparatus throughthe first network, in response to the execution of the charging and thesettlement by said charging and settlement apparatus; supplying thereordered image data based on the captured image data from said imagestoring apparatus to said first print out apparatus through the firstnetwork in response to the re-receiving of the reordered print output ofthe image data based on the reordered captured image data by said firstorder receiving apparatus; printing the image data supplied from saidimage storing apparatus by said first print out apparatus to output thelater printed matter; and shipping the later printed matter by saidshipping terminal in correspondence with each image data based on thereordered captured image data.
 50. The method for receiving an order forimage printing according to claim 49, said method further comprising astep of: executing processing of the image data including at least thecaptured image data supplied from said image storing apparatus throughthe second network by an image processing apparatus for executing theprocessing of the image data to generate a preview image of thereordered image data based on the captured image data.
 51. The methodfor receiving an order for image printing according to claim 50, saidmethod further comprising the steps of: displaying the preview imagesupplied from said image processing apparatus through the first networkon a display of each of said communication terminals; generating paymentinformation as reorder data, the payment information being informationconcerning a payment method necessary for payment of a charge, accordingto a result of displaying the preview image; and supplying the reorderdata to said charging and settlement apparatus through the firstnetwork.
 52. A print order receiving system, said system comprising: aplurality of imaging apparatus for imaging an object; a first orderreceiving apparatus connected with said plural imaging apparatus througha first network, said first order receiving apparatus receiving an orderof a print output for captured image data obtained by the imaging of theobject, the imaging being performed by said plural imaging apparatus; animage storing apparatus connected with said plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network, said image storing apparatus storing imagedata including the captured image data supplied from said plural imagingapparatus through the first network; and a first print out apparatusconnected with said plural imaging apparatus through the first network,said first print out apparatus printing the captured image data suppliedfrom said imaging apparatus through the first network and the image datasupplied from said image storing apparatus through the first network tooutput initial printed matter.
 53. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 52, said system further comprising: a plurality ofcommunication terminals for executing a reorder of later printed matterbeing printed matter of image data based on the captured image datathrough a second network different from the first network; a secondorder receiving apparatus connected with said plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network and with plural communication terminalsthrough the second network, said second order receiving apparatusreceiving the reorder of the later printed matter, the reorder beingissued from each of said plural communication terminals; a charging andsettlement apparatus connected with said plural communication terminalsthrough the second network, said charging and settlement apparatusexecuting charging and settlement of the reordered later printed matter;a second print out apparatus different from said first print outapparatus, said second print out apparatus being connected with saidplural imaging apparatus through the first network, said second printout apparatus being supplied with the reordered image data based on thecaptured image data through the first network from said image storingapparatus according to re-receiving of a reorder of the print output ofthe image data based on the captured image data by said first orderreceiving apparatus, said second print out apparatus printing thesupplied image data to output the later printed matter; and a shippingterminal connected with said plural imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork, said shipping terminal executing shipping processing of thelater printed matter in correspondence with each of the captured imagedata, wherein said first order receiving apparatus re-receives thereorder of the print output of the image data based on the capturedimage data through the first network, the print output having beenreordered by said communication terminals to said second order receivingapparatus through the second network, in response to the execution ofthe charging and the settlement by said charging and settlementapparatus.
 54. The print order receiving system according to claim 53,said system further comprising an image processing apparatus forperforming processing of the image data, said image processing apparatusperforming the processing to the image data including at least thecaptured image data supplied from said image storing apparatus throughthe first network to generate a reordered preview image of the imagedata based on the captured image data.
 55. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 54, wherein said communication terminalsdisplay the preview image supplied from said image processing apparatusthrough the second network on their displays, and said communicationterminals generate payment information being information concerning apayment method necessary for payment of a charge as reorder dataaccording to a result of displaying the preview image to supply thereorder data to said charging and settlement apparatus through thesecond network.
 56. The print order receiving system according to claim54, wherein said image processing apparatus synthesizes the capturedimage data supplied from said image storing apparatus through the firstnetwork and foreground image data that become a foreground and/orbackground image data that become a background, both being supplied fromsaid image storing apparatus through the first network.
 57. The printorder receiving system according to claim 53, wherein the later printedmatter is the same printed matter as the initial printed matter, orsimilar printed matter made by a change of a foreground and/or a background of the initial printed matter except for the object.
 58. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 52, wherein said imagedata are two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data of an imageincluding a static image, a motion picture and/or a parallax image. 59.A method for receiving an order for image printing, said methodcomprising the steps of: imaging objects by a plurality of imagingapparatus; receiving an order of a print output by a first orderreceiving apparatus, connected with said plural imaging apparatusthrough a first network for captured image data obtained by the imagingof the object, the imaging being performed by said plural imagingapparatus; storing image data including the captured image data suppliedfrom each of said plural imaging apparatus through the first network byan image storing apparatus connected with said plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network; and printing the captured image data suppliedfrom said imaging apparatus through the first network and the image datasupplied from said image storing apparatus through the first network tooutput initial printed matter by a first print out apparatus connectedwith said plural imaging apparatus through the first network.
 60. Themethod for receiving an order for image printing according to claim 59,said method further comprising the steps of: reordering later printedmatter being printed matter of image data based on the captured imagedata through a second network different from the first network by aplurality of communication terminals; receiving a reorder of the laterprinted matter, the reorder being issued from each of said pluralcommunication terminals, by a second order receiving apparatus connectedwith said plural imaging apparatus through the first network and withplural communication terminals with the second network; charging andsettling the reordered later printed matter by a charging and settlementapparatus connected with said plural communication terminals through thesecond network; re-receiving a reorder of a print output of the imagedata based on the captured image data through the first network by saidfirst order receiving apparatus, the print output being reordered bysaid communication terminals to said second order receiving apparatusthrough the second network, in response to the execution of the chargingand the settlement by said charging and settlement apparatus; supplyingthe image data based on the reordered captured image data from saidimage storing apparatus to a second print out apparatus different fromsaid first print out apparatus through the first network in response tothe re-receiving of the reordered print output of the image data basedon the reordered captured image data by said first order receivingapparatus; printing the image data supplied from said image storingapparatus by said second print out apparatus to output the later printedmatter; and shipping the later printed matter by said shipping terminalin correspondence with each of the captured image data, said shippingterminal being connected with said plural imaging apparatus through thefirst network.
 61. The method for receiving an order for image printingaccording to claim 60, said method further comprising a step of:executing processing of the image data including at least the capturedimage data supplied from said image storing apparatus through the firstnetwork by an image processing apparatus for executing the processing ofthe image data to generate a preview image of the reordered image databased on the captured image data.
 62. The method for receiving an orderfor image printing according to claim 61, said method further comprisingthe steps of: displaying the preview image supplied from said imageprocessing apparatus through the first network on a display of each ofsaid communication terminals; generating payment information as reorderdata, the payment information being information concerning a paymentmethod necessary for payment of a charge, according to a result ofdisplaying the preview image; and supplying the reorder data to saidcharging and settlement apparatus through the second network.
 63. Aprint order receiving system, said system comprising: a plurality ofimaging apparatus for imaging an object; a second order receivingapparatus connected with said plural imaging apparatus through a firstnetwork, said second order receiving apparatus being supplied withcaptured image data obtained by imaging of the object from each of saidplural imaging apparatus through the first network, said second orderreceiving apparatus receiving an order of a print output of each of thecaptured image data, said second order receiving apparatus stores thecaptured image data at each order; an image storing apparatus connectedwith said second order receiving apparatus through a second network thatis different from the first network, said image storing apparatusstoring image data including the captured image data supplied from saidsecond order receiving apparatus through the second network; a firstorder receiving apparatus connected with said second order receivingapparatus through the second network, said first order receivingapparatus receiving an order of the print output for captured image datastored in said second order receiving apparatus; and a first print outapparatus connected with said plural imaging apparatus through thesecond network, said first print out apparatus printing the capturedimage data supplied from said imaging apparatus through the secondnetwork and the image data supplied from said image storing apparatusthrough the second network to output initial printed matter.
 64. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 63, said system furthercomprising: a plurality of communication terminals for executing areorder of later printed matter being printed matter of image data basedon the captured image data through the first network; a charging andsettlement apparatus connected with said plural communication terminalsthrough the first network, said charging and settlement apparatusexecuting charging and settlement of the reordered later printed matter;a second print out apparatus different from said first pint outputapparatus, said second print out apparatus being connected with saidsecond order receiving apparatus through the second network, said secondprint out apparatus being supplied with the reordered image data basedon the captured image data through the second network from said imagestoring apparatus according to re-receiving of a reorder of the printoutput of the image data based on the captured image data by said firstorder receiving apparatus, said second print out apparatus printing thesupplied image data to output the later printed matter; and a shippingterminal connected with said second order receiving apparatus throughthe second network, said shipping terminal executing shipping processingof the later printed matter in correspondence with each of the capturedimage data, wherein: said second order receiving apparatus is connectedwith said plural communication terminals through the first network andreceives the reorder of later printed matter required by each of saidplural communication terminals; and said first order receiving apparatusre-receives through the second network the print out of the image databased on the captured image data reordered by said communicationterminals to said second order receiving apparatus through the firstnetwork, according to execution of the charging and settlement by saidcharging and settlement apparatus.
 65. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 64, said system further comprising an imageprocessing apparatus for performing processing of image data, said imageprocessing apparatus performing the processing to the image dataincluding at least the captured image data supplied from said imagestoring apparatus through the second network to generate a preview imageof the reordered image data based on the captured image data.
 66. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 65, wherein saidcommunication terminals display the preview image supplied from saidimage processing apparatus through the first network on their displays,and said communication terminals generate payment information beinginformation concerning a payment method necessary for payment of acharge as reorder data according to a result of displaying the previewimage to supply the reorder data to said charging and settlementapparatus through the first network.
 67. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 65, wherein said image processing apparatussynthesizes the captured image data supplied from said image storingapparatus through the second network and foreground image data thatbecome a foreground and/or background image data that become abackground, both being supplied from said image storing apparatusthrough the second network.
 68. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 64, wherein the later printed matter is the sameprinted matter as the initial printed matter, or similar printed mattermade by a change of a foreground and/or a back ground of the initialprinted matter except for the object.
 69. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 63, wherein said image data aretwo-dimensional or three-dimensional image data of an image including astatic image, a motion picture and/or a parallax image.
 70. A method forreceiving an order for image printing, said method comprising the stepsof: imaging objects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; printing thecaptured image data supplied from said imaging apparatus through thefirst network and the image data supplied from said image storingapparatus through the first network to output initial printed matter bya first print out apparatus connected with said plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network; supplying captured image data from each ofthe plural imaging apparatus through a first network, the captured imagedata having been obtained by imaging of the object by each of saidplural imaging apparatus; receiving an order of a print output by asecond order receiving apparatus for captured image data, said secondorder receiving apparatus being connected with said plural imagingapparatus through a second network that is different from the firstnetwork; storing the captured image data at each order by said secondorder receiving apparatus; storing image data including the capturedimage data supplied from said second order receiving apparatus throughthe first network by an image storing apparatus connected with saidsecond order receiving apparatus through the first network; andreceiving an order of the print output for the captured image datastored in said second order receiving apparatus by a first orderreceiving apparatus connected with said second order receiving apparatusthrough the first network.
 71. The method for receiving an order forimage printing according to claim 70, said method further comprising thesteps of: reordering later printed matter being printed matter of imagedata based on the captured image data through the second network by aplurality of communication terminals; receiving a reorder of the laterprinted matter, the reorder being issued from each of said pluralcommunication terminals, by said second order receiving apparatusconnected with said plural communication terminals through the secondnetwork; charging and settling the reordered later printed matter by acharging and settlement apparatus connected with said pluralcommunication terminals through the second network; re-receiving areorder of a print output of the image data based on the captured imagedata through the first network by said first order receiving apparatus,the print output being reordered by said communication terminals to saidsecond order receiving apparatus through the second network, in responseto the execution of the charging and the settlement by said charging andsettlement apparatus; supplying the reordered image data based on thecaptured image data from said image storing apparatus to a second printout apparatus different from the first print out apparatus through thefirst network in response to the re-receiving of the reordered printoutput of the image data based on the reordered captured image data bysaid first order receiving apparatus; printing the image data suppliedfrom said image storing apparatus by said second print out apparatus tooutput the later printed matter; and shipping the later printed matterby a shipping terminal in correspondence with each captured image data,said shipping terminal being connected with said second order receivingapparatus through the first network.
 72. The method for receiving anorder for image printing according to claim 71, said method furthercomprising a step of: executing processing of the image data includingat least the captured image data supplied from said image storingapparatus through the first network by an image processing apparatus forexecuting the processing of the image data to generate a preview imageof the reordered image data based on the captured image data.
 73. Themethod for receiving an order for image printing according to claim 72,said method further comprising the steps of: displaying the previewimage supplied from said image processing apparatus through the secondnetwork on a display of each of said communication terminals; generatingpayment information as reorder data, the payment information beinginformation concerning a payment method necessary for payment of acharge, according to a result of displaying the preview image; andsupplying the reorder data to said charging and settlement apparatusthrough the second network.